Top leaders praise Ellsworth, community at celebration dinner

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
RAPID CITY, S.D. --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard joined more than 500 Airmen, their guests, and community leaders to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base during a formal dinner at the Ramkota here May 19.

The event was the culmination of a number of activities conducted throughout the week to celebrate Ellsworth's historic past. Prior to the dinner, Schwartz and Daugaard spoke with members of the local news media, during which they reflected on the history of Ellsworth.

"Ellsworth has gone through many changes over the past 70 years," Daugaard said. "It started as Rapid City Air Base, and over the years has evolved into what it is today: the home of the 28th Bomb Wing. We're very excited to gather today and celebrate the 70 years of success we've had in defending our nation."

Schwartz said he considered it a special privilege to attend the event that highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of Ellsworth Airmen.

"There truly is history here, ranging back to the B-36 Peacemaker bombers and all the way to the B-1 Lancers at Ellsworth today," the general said. "Looking back one year ago to the Libya mission, the Airmen here had bombs being built and loaded, and B-1s departing, all in the midst of unfavorable weather and just 48 hours after the call came in.
"We are about precision and reliability in our Air Force, and the Airmen at Ellsworth demonstrate that every day."

Schwartz said Ellsworth Airmen have performed magnificently over the last 12 months in both Afghanistan and Libya, and that he expects them to continue to do so, especially in light of the stand up of the 432nd Attack Squadron.

"The fact that Ellsworth will be [remotely employing] the Reaper, one of the latest and greatest, is something we can be very proud of," Daugaard said.

The success Ellsworth has enjoyed over the past 70 years has been due in no small part to the great support it receives from its local communities, Schwartz said. He commended everyone throughout the Black Hills for supporting the local Airmen.

When Schwartz was asked how the Air Force has changed since he joined the service nearly 40 years ago, he said integrity, service and excellence continue to make up the foundation of the service, just as it did in 1973, but that the Air Force's relationship with its joint teammates has grown even stronger.

"We all work more closely together now than we ever have in the past - playing our parts within the larger team," Schwartz said. "Alongside the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, we are one family."

In addition to the dinner, Airmen and members of the community attended a variety of activities during the week that included a kick-off party, golf tournament, visitor appreciation day at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, and free concert provided by the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band.