ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- It’s difficult to determine which was louder, the roar of a tri-bomber flyover, or the sound of more than 70,000 attendees at the 2022 Ellsworth Air and Space Show May 14 and 15.
This is Ellsworth’s first airshow since 2015, fittingly held on the 35th Anniversary of B-1B Lancer operations at Ellsworth, the 80th Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, and the 75th anniversary of the Air Force.
"What a way to celebrate the historic anniversaries of our base, local community and Air Force,” said 28th Bomb Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Keelan Rasmusson. “The airshow was amazing and was only made possible by the efforts of our Raider Airmen and the community that supports our mission every day! It truly highlights how closely we work together to provide long-range global strike, anytime, anywhere. I feel there was no better way to showcase what we do as Global Strike Command Strikers and Raiders."
The show kicked off Saturday morning with parachute jumpers, a B-25 Mitchell display, and a tri-bomber flyover. The B-1 lead the pack, followed by a B-52 Stratofortress and a B-2 Spirit. Ellsworth’s own Capt. Joseph “Exotic” Detert, 37th Bomb Squadron pilot, was part of the team that soared above the South Dakota Black Hills.
"It is a major accomplishment for me,” said Detert. “Growing up, my uncle Joe would take me to air shows and I would love watching the planes fly over the top of me. It’s surreal that I am flying in a show now."
The tri-bomber was one of 41 acts performed over the two-day show. Other aerial entertainers included the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration team, U.S. Special Operations Command parachute team demonstration, and the famous U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
Additionally, 36 vendors and partners came together to entertain and inform the crowd. These exhibits included various Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) booths as well as local organizations.
"The airshow is an amazing forum to showcase Ellsworth's mission,” said Loretta Vega, the 28th Mission Support Group deputy director. “It is also epitomizes what we can do in collaboration with our incredible Black Hills community.”
The airshow provided Ellsworth the opportunity to showcase its dedication to the public and appreciation for the support in helping the base continue its mission. To view more photos and find more information, visit the airshow website at www.EllsworthAirShow.com.