U.S. Air Force Announces B-21 Basing Plan | Aviation International News

U.S. Air Force Announces B-21 Basing Plan

Unsurprisingly, the Air Force plans to base to operate its B-21 Raiders at the bases that hcurrently host the types that the B-21 is replacing

Global Strike Command's current bomber triad will be reduced to a pair of types as the B-21 replaces the two younger aircraft (B-1 and B-2) to leave the B-52H soldiering on, primarily as a missile-carrier. (photo: U.S. Air Force)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

March 29, 2019

On March 27 the Secretary of the Air Force, Heather A. Wilson, announced the service’s preferences for the three bases that will house the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bomber when it reaches operational service in the mid-2020s. A final decision is expected in 2021 as part of the Air Force Strategic Basing Process and will follow evaluation of the basing plan’s compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.

Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota will be the first location to receive operational B-21s under the Air Force’s plan, and also the location of the formal training unit. It will be followed by Dyess AFB, Texas, and Whiteman AFB, Missouri. “These three bomber bases are well suited for the B-21," said Wilson. “We expect the first B-21 Raider to be delivered beginning in the mid-2020s, with subsequent deliveries phased across all three bases.” Raiders will be introduced in a process designed to minimize impact on mission readiness.

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