Ellsworth Warriors return from Operation Odyssey Dawn

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  B-1B Lancer crews returned to Ellsworth Wednesday, following combat strikes in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Airmen from across the base joined together to celebrate the successful mission and safe return during an event on the flightline.

This marked the first time B-1s were launched from the continental United States, struck targets in support of a military operation overseas and returned home to a hero's welcome.

"It was amazing to see the Airmen of the 28th Bomb Wing come together as one cohesive unit for this historic mission," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th BW commander. "When the nation called, they answered - and I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments."

The B-1s flew two missions over Libya, striking all intended targets, before returning home.

"Our objective was to destroy nearly 100 military targets to protect the civilian population of Libya," said Colonel Taliaferro. "Of note, this was the first time B-1s were launched from the United States to strike targets overseas."

After the aircraft touched down, they taxied to their dock through a stream of water from 28th Civil Engineer Squadron fire trucks before being greeted by a crowd of saluting Airmen.

"This was a base-wide effort," Colonel Taliaferro said. "And while our Airmen make airpower look easy, it's actually the product of a lot of hard work - blood, sweat and commitment that got the mission done."

As the aircrews disembarked, they were met by their families, friends and fellow Airmen - who welcomed them as heroes.

"This is a really humbling experience," said Capt. Matt Tull, 34th Bomb Squadron B-1 weapon systems officer, who participated in this historic mission. "This was such an amazing effort for everyone to come together to make the mission a success, and offer help to the people in Libya."

Following the welcoming ceremony, maintenance crews set to work recovering the aircraft and returning the base to normal operations.

"Now we've got to get right back to work to ensure we're ready for already scheduled combat deployments," Colonel Taliaferro said. "Even today Airmen of the 28th BW are still putting bombs on target in Southwest Asia."