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 followed a thorough evaluation process that 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,” stated Secretary Kendall.
The B-21 is expected to be a significant improvement over the current bomber force. It will be capable of penetrating contested air spaces at long range and deploying either conventional or nuclear munitions. The 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 history dating back to its creation in World War II as the 509th Composite Group. The unit has served as a vital component of the Air Force’s bomber fleet ever since. Additionally, the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing has served both state and nation for more than 100 years and has been an integral part of the bomber enterprise since 2008.
Whiteman AFB is strategically located in the heart of the United States, providing easy access to both coasts and central regions. This makes it an ideal base for the B-21 due to quick response times and global reach capabilities.
Moreover, Whiteman already possesses infrastructure and systems necessary to support the B-21, including a skilled workforce and modern facilities. This will facilitate a smoother transition for both the base and its personnel.
Whiteman is one of three bases selected to house the B-21 Raider. Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota was chosen as the first base, while Dyess AFB in Texas will be third.
