Press Releases

Squadron Commander Relieved
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Lt. Col. Carsten Stahr, commander of the 28th Force Support Squadron here, was relieved of command Sept. 11 by Col. Derek Oakley, 28th Bomb Wing commander, due to loss of trust and confidence in Stahr's ability to lead the squadron. 
 
Base Conducting Raider Reach Exercise Sept. 9-23
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Ellsworth personnel are scheduled to participate in a base-wide exercise Sept. 9-23 intended to assess the ability of the 28th Bomb Wing to respond, react, and adapt in various scenarios.
During the exercise, residents on or near the installation may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system, sirens, simulated gunfire, explosions, and see smoke and response vehicles.
The exercise may impact traffic entering and exiting the installation. Individuals are encouraged to plan to arrive early for appointments and call in advance to ensure services are not impacted.
For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or by emailing 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

Base Conducting Raider Reach Exercise Sept. 9-23
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Ellsworth personnel are scheduled to participate in a base-wide exercise Sept. 9-23 intended to assess the ability of the 28th Bomb Wing to respond, react, and adapt in various scenarios.
During the exercise, residents on or near the installation may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system, sirens, simulated gunfire, explosions, and see smoke and response vehicles.
The exercise may impact traffic entering and exiting the installation. Individuals are encouraged to plan to arrive early for appointments and call in advance to ensure services are not impacted.
For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or by emailing 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

B-1B Flyover Part of Days of 76 Celebration
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – The 28th Bomb Wing is scheduled to conduct a B-1B flyover in support of the Days of 76 Rodeo in Deadwood. The flyover is scheduled, weather permitting, on July 24 at 7 p.m.B-1 flyovers are part of an approved training missions. Residents living near the event and the surrounding community could experience an increased noise level related to the flyover. Individuals who witness the flyover are encouraged to share their photos and videos on Ellsworth Air Force Base’s official Facebook and Instagram pages available at: www.Facebook.com/ellsworthairforcebase and @ellsworthafb on Instagram. For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or via email at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

Base Conducting Exercise July 24 - 25
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Ellsworth security personnel are scheduled to conduct an exercise July 24-25 intended to evaluate the ability of the 28th Bomb Wing to respond to a variety of situations. During the exercise, residents on or near the installation may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system, sirens, simulated gunfire, explosions and see smoke and response vehicles. The exercise is not expected to impact traffic entering and exiting the installation. However, individuals are encouraged to plan to arrive early for appointments and call in advance to ensure appointments and services are not impacted. For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or via email at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

Base Conducting Exercise July 16-18
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Ellsworth security personnel are scheduled to conduct an exercise July 16-18 intended to evaluate the ability of the 28th Bomb Wing to respond to a variety of situations. During the exercise, residents on or near the installation may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system, sirens, simulated gunfire, explosions and see smoke and response vehicles. The exercise is not expected to impact traffic entering and exiting the installation. However, individuals are encouraged to plan to arrive early for appointments and call in advance to ensure appointments and services are not impacted. For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or via email at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.

Ellsworth conducting response exercise Apr 17
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – The 28th Bomb Wing will be conducting an active shooter response exercise today, Apr. 17, intended to evaluate the ability of the 28th Bomb Wing to respond to an emergency situation on the installation. During the exercise, residents on or near the installation may hear announcements over the base’s “giant voice” system and sirens, and see response vehicles. All assigned personnel, family members and visitors are required to take appropriate actions. No interference in traffic is expected. For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at (605) 385-5056, or via email at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.



Press Releases

Community invited to participate in EAFB 70th Anniversary events

  • Published
  • By 020412
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Planning committee members are working hard to put the finishing touches on several key events open to everyone May 19 and 20 in honor of the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base.

A golf tournament in Rapid City, a special event at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, and a special celebration dinner with South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, as keynote speakers top the list of activities.


70th Anniversary Golf Tournament - May 19

The golf tournament at the Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Registration is open to anyone, but limited to 80 players.

"This is a great way to kick start a very busy weekend," said Maj. Erik Dunn, 28th Comptroller Squadron commander and planning committee chair.

Four-person teams will compete on the 7,000-yard, par 72 championship golf course that features lush fairways nestled among tall ponderosa pine trees. The entry fee includes greens fees, golf cart, practice balls, a special 70th anniversary polo shirt, lunch and prizes.

To register, call the 28th Bomb Wing Protocol Office at (605) 385-1205.


Heritage Day - May 19

The South Dakota Air and Space Museum will host a free special event starting at 8:30 a.m. to recognize and pay homage to the vital mission and dedicated service that Ellsworth has played in the defense of our nation. There will be a variety of displays and special demonstrations provided by the 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordnance Disposal team, Black Hills Scale Modelers Club, and STARBASE South Dakota.

"The South Dakota STARBASE program introduces kids to science and technology through hands-on experiments with engineering concepts. Their interactive exhibit demonstrates the power of ideas, applied in a scientific manner. And it's fun," said Bob Liebman, Ellsworth Heritage Foundation vice president and event organizer. "We're also very fortunate to have Peter Vodenka as the keynote speaker for our event."

Vodenka escaped with his wife and two small children from behind the "Iron Curtain" in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. His story speaks directly to the historic, global impact of the mission accomplished by Ellsworth during the Cold War and into today.


70th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - May 19

The crown jewel of activities recognizing Ellsworth's 70-year history, this formal event at the Ramkota Best Western Hotel in Rapid City begins with a social hour, followed by dinner and addresses by Governor Daugaard and General Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff.

"This is the big finale," said Maj. Jeff Strange, 37th Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations and lead planner for the event. "Events of this caliber don't come around very often."

In addition to the highest ranking officer in the Air Force, numerous former wing commanders and a myriad of political and community leaders who have - or who continue to - play a key role in Ellsworth's mission will be attending. The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band's pop rock ensemble - Raptor - will set the tone for the event and perform music that captures Ellsworth's history.

The event is open to everyone; however, there are a limited number of tickets available. Those interested can call the 28th BW Protocol Office at (605) 385-1205 to purchase tickets or get additional information.


Heartland of America Band Concert - May 20

The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band's pop rock ensemble will perform a free concert at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City beginning at 2 p.m. Their music stretches from the top 40 pop and country hits of today to popular rock-n-roll classics.

"Rapid City and the surrounding communities have played a vital role throughout the base's history," Dunn said. "Together we have endured and overcome a great deal. We're very fortunate to have a strong and mutual relationship that has been the key to our past successes, and will be crucial for the base to successfully accomplish its mission in the future."

For information about these events, call the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at (605) 385-5056.