Dyess Jets Leaving

Twenty B-1 Bombers from Dyess Air Force Base, T.X., 07 November 2007, line up on the flight line of Ellsworth Air Force Base S.D. in preparation of departure back to Dyess. Dyess Jets first arrived at Ellsworth 17 September 2007, while their flight line was under construction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Anthony Sanchelli)

Ellsworth bids farewell to Dyess' Airmen, B-1s

Published Nov. 7, 2007

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The first of Dyess' twenty B-1 bombers and more than 550 Airmen temporarily housed at Ellsworth began their departure Nov. 7.

Airmen, aircraft and support equipment were temporarily re-located from Texas while 6,600 feet of the runway at Dyess was repaired. The move resulted in millions of dollars in savings and helped ensure the highest level of readiness for Dyess Airmen.

"Readiness and training for the B-1 [and Dyess C-130 crews] and support personnel are critical due to their significant role in the Global War on Terror, and we were able to sustain our readiness and training thanks to the tremendous teamwork between Ellsworth, Dyess and Abilene," said Col. Timothy Ray, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "Our military construction team did and outstanding job helping us save more than $14 million in finishing ahead of schedule so our Airmen could return to their families early."

Ellsworth was chosen out of more than 10 other sites as the most cost effective site and the Airmen were embraced by not only the base, but by the local community.

"The Air Force must be prepared for whatever our nation's enemies bring to the fight. To do this, there is a time when a large facility, like a runway, needs to be repaired and assets moved to another location," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Relocation and continued training ensured Airmen are staying fully ready to fly, fight and win the global war on terror."

(Courtesy 28th Bomb Wing and 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs offices)