B-21's Second Operational Base Chooses Whiteman Over Dyess
Let's Chat About the B-21 Raider's New Digs
Have you heard the buzz? Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri is gearing up to house the second Main Operating Base (MOB) for the stealthy new B-21 Raider bomber! Yep, you heard that right – progressive plans are underway to expand the Air Force's bomber fleet by integrating the state-of-the-art B-21 at Whiteman, following Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, which was previously designated as the first MOB.
The inaugural announcement by Representative Mark Alford (R-Mo.) and Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) on social media earlier this week has officially confirmed the news. Although Whiteman was already listed as the "preferred" next MOB in an environmental impact statement (EIS) published by the Air Force back in May, it wasn't until recently that the confirmation was made official.
It's a bird, it's a plane...it's the B-21 Raider! The sleek, modern bomber entered flight test last fall and has already caught the eye of numerous military aviation enthusiasts. Ellsworth AFB will be the formal training unit for this bad boy, ensuring future pilots and crewmembers are well equipped to handle the stealthy new bomber.
So, what about Whiteman's famed fleet of 19 B-2s? Don't worry – Whiteman still has them covered, with about 14 B-2s available for action at any given time. And, once the B-21s start showing up, the base will see some minor increases in personnel, airfield operations, and the need for additional housing facilities.
Now, let's talk timeline. While the Air Force hasn't officially released any specific timelines for when these bases will convert from their current aircraft to the B-21, it's looking like Dyess Air Force Base in Texas will likely become the B-21's third and final MOB.
The B-52 bomber is anyone's ace up their sleeve. This vintage warrior is getting some TLC with upgrades to its engines, radar, and avionics, and is expected to stay in service well into the 2050s. The Air Force currently has 76 B-52s stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
Intriguingly, in addition to the one aircraft currently in flight test, the Air Force acknowledges having five additional B-21s in various levels of production. Northrop Grumman is conducting the final assembly of the bomber at its facilities in Palmdale, California, and recent comments from senior leaders suggest the Air Force plans to purchase 100 B-21s over time.
However, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin has hinted that the bomber may reach its limit at 100, as advanced technology might overtake it before then. Only time will tell, but we’re excited to see what the future holds for the B-21 Raider!
[1] Air Force Global Strike Command Confirms Whiteman Air Force Base as Second Main Operating Base for the B-21 Raider[2] Ellsworth Air Force Base Renovations to Support B-21 Operations[3] B-21 Raider Bomber Expected to Replace B-1 and B-2 Fleets[4] Integrating the B-21 Raider into the Air Force’s Strategic Bomber Force[5] Modernizing and Converting Bases to Support the B-21’s Introduction to the Fleet
