WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III has approved Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to be the second base to receive the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's newest stealth bomber.
This decision was made after a thorough evaluation process, which included operational analysis, site surveys, and consideration of environmental, economic, and technical factors.
The experience that Whiteman AFB has with the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and its strategic location played into the decision to base the B-21 here.
The B-21 will be a significant improvement from our current bomber force, capable of penetrating contested air spaces at long range and deploying either conventional or nuclear munitions. Air Force Global Strike Command will continue to maintain, modernize, and keep its B-1 and B-2 bombers in service until the B-21 is delivered.
The 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB's host wing, has a long and storied history, dating back to its creation in the waning days of World War II as the 509th Composite Group. The unit continued to serve as a vital component of the Air Force's bomber fleet ever since. The Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing has served the state and nation for more than 100 years, and has been an integral part of the bomber enterprise since 2008.
Whiteman AFB is also tactically located in the heart of the United States, providing easy access to both coasts and the country's central regions. This location makes it also an ideal base for the B-21, as it allows for quick response times and the ability to reach targets across the globe.
Furthermore, Whiteman already has infrastructure and systems in place to support the B-21, including a skilled workforce and modern facilities. This will make the transition to the B-21 smoother and more efficient for the base and its personnel.
Whiteman is one of three bases selected to house the B-21, with Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, being the first and Dyess AFB, Texas, the third.