Ellsworth realigns to Air Force Global Strike Command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth is one of two bases that ceremonially realigned to Air Force Global Strike Command's Eighth Air Force today, uniting all Air Force bombers under a single command.
 
B-1 bombers from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth and the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, as well as the Long Range Strike Bomber program are transitioning from Air Combat Command to AFGSC, to take effect Oct. 1.

"All five bomb wings and the long range strike capability they provide to our nation are stronger today as a result of this homecoming," said Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, Eighth Air Force commander, who officiated the ceremony attended by leaders from every bomb wing in the Air Force as well as key civic and political officials.

While the transfer of authority involves 63 aircraft and approximately 7,000 personnel, most Airmen will not perceive an immediate change to the way they do business, according to the general. Instead, benefits will be realized over time as crosstalk increases and new opportunities arise for aviators and maintainers in the bomber community.

"On a day where we gather to mark significant change, I find it prescient to also remember what will not change in our lives," said Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th BW commander, reaffirming that the base's focus in the present and future will not change.

"We will remain steadfast in our deterrence objectives, in our charge to protect this great nation, and will do so with the unique capabilities that our Airmen and weapon system bring to the fight," Boswell said.  

At the strategic level, the consolidation will, "... provide a unified voice to maintain the high standards necessary in stewardship of our nation's bomber forces," according to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James in an announcement regarding the move, released April 2015.

"Whether it is in the B-1, B-2 or B-52, it is a great time to be a bomber Airman," Clark said, reflecting on the rich heritage of Eighth Air Force. "We are standing on the shoulders of giants and have great days ahead."