MXG Ribbon Cutting

(Center) Alan Hanks, Rapid City mayor, cuts the ribbon for the new 28th Maintenance Group Headquarters building while accompanied by (immediate right) Col. Fitch, 28th Maintenance Group commander, Col. Peter Castor, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander (far left) Mr. Qusi Al’Haj, representative for Sen. John Thune, Ms. Tania Schepper, representative for Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin here Aug. 28. The 28th Maintenance Group, manages the production of a 1,400-member workforce comprised of four squadrons, an annual organizational maintenance and reparable support division budget exceeding $42.5 million, aircraft and weapons valued at more than $9 billion, and real property worth $168 million. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Adam Grant)

Ellsworth celebrates new 28 MXG headquarters building

Published Aug. 28, 2008

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Bomb Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. for the new 28th Maintenance Group facility here.

"The 28th Maintenance Group headquarters building is a physical representation of the commitment of leadership at all levels to the men and women who keep the B-1B in the air. This showcase facility brings together the 28 MXG staff, 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron, and 28th Munitions Squadron leadership under one roof and will promote synergy and efficiency across the group. It is simply the finest maintenance facility I have seen in my 23 years of service," said Col Thomas A. Fitch, 28 MXG commander.

The 28 MXG is responsible for formulating policies and implementing procedures to ensure availability of 29 B-1 aircraft and associated support equipment and munitions in support of Joint Chief of Staff-tasked and other contingency missions. The group manages the production of a 1,500-member workforce comprised of four squadrons, an annual organizational maintenance and reparable support division budget exceeding $42.5 million, aircraft and weapons valued at more than $9 billion, and real property worth $168 million.

Additionally, the group directs the implementation of plans supporting pre-planned and contingency mobility taskings in support of national objectives.