The Entire B-1 Lancer Fleet From Ellsworth AFB Just Mobilized
U.S. Strategic Command noted that redeploying the entire fleet of Lancer aircraft from one base to another is no small feat.
The United States Strategic Command announced that the entire fleet of Rockwell B-1B Lancer strategic bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota, has been mobilized—with most of the aircraft now relocated to Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, while an undisclosed number were sent to Anderson AFB, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force (BTF) deployment.
Residents near Ellsworth won’t be hearing the Lancers overhead, and it is the first time in three decades that the flightline at the base was empty of the Cold War strategic bombers. However, those near the base will likely hear the sound of construction—as Ellsworth prepares to host the incoming Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.
“The temporary relocation is necessary to complete a runway construction project tied to the future bed down of the B-21 Raider and as the last B-1 departed January 25, 2025,” the base announced.
The B-1B aircraft, aircrews, and maintainers have now deployed to Grand Forks AFB, which will be their home for most of 2025. It will be a welcome home of sorts as the Cold War-era Lancers were previously assigned to the North Dakota base until 1994. Hosting 17 aircraft—along with as many as 1,000 personnel—took careful planning, to ensure it would have the housing, health care, and amenities for the extended deployment.
A Major Endeavor
U.S. Strategic Command noted that redeploying the entire fleet of aircraft from one base to another is no small feat, and it praised the team of aircraft maintainers that were tasked with readying the Lancers for the deployment.
“The mighty B-1 has been around for over 40 years and the foundational mission remains the same: win today, dominate tomorrow,” explained U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Feigen, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron commander. “From production to the technicians to the lowest level, elevating the lethality of the B-1 maintainer in partnership with Grand Forks will cause pause in our enemies.”
The Unsung Heroes That Get the Mission Done
The aircraft maintainers certainly aren’t noted for having an easy time of it. They must deal with all sorts of weather, including the harsh winters—with this one being no exception, apart from the colder-than-average temperatures and heavy snowfall. It is the maintainers that prepare the Lancers for their sorties and that the aircraft are combat-ready. That includes a laundry list of tasks that includes ensuring every maintenance action is accounted for, and the aircraft receives a detailed inspection.
“It’s a very high-paced mission from where I stand. You’re always going from one job to the next. The game plan is always changing, quite literally by the minute on the flight line,” added U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lane Benefield, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron B-1 crew chief. “This gave [our team] the opportunity to step up into different roles, showing great flexibility from enduring the cold and being away from family and loved ones.”
Guam Deployment
While nearly a dozen and a half B-1Bs headed to Grand Forks, a few Lancers were also sent to Andersen AFB in Guam. At least one of those aircraft deployed to the Indo-Pacific took part in joint air force drills with South Korean F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle jets, along with U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons. This marked the first exercises over the Korean Peninsula since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.
The joint training mission came in response to North Korean nuclear and missile threats, the South Korean Ministry of Defense announced, per a report from Military Times/The Associated Press.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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