During the visit, Meink received briefings on topics ranging from current B-1B activities to construction of facilities built specifically for the B-21. The base recently formally accepted two facilities, the $161 million Low Observable Restoration Facility and the $81 million Wash Rack and General Maintenance Hangar.
“Taking ownership of these facilities is a step toward fielding advanced capabilities at scale,” Meink said. “The infrastructure completed today is truly innovative, allowing us to preserve the technological edge and deliver the long-range deterrence our nation depends on.”
The new buildings are engineered specifically to support the B-21. They will allow maintenance personnel to inspect, clean and maintain the aircraft’s radar-absorbent materials indoors, reducing aircraft downtime.
After accepting the facilities, the 28th Bomb Wing deployed fit-out teams to both buildings. Those personnel are installing computers, furnishings and secure operational equipment to prepare the structures for active use.
Col. Jonathan Keller, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, briefed Meink on how the wing is balancing B-1B operations with B-21 facility construction. The work is part of preparations for the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft.
“The base is actively flying the B-1 globally while simultaneously building the infrastructure for the next generation of airpower,” Keller said. “Accepting the keys to our first B-21 facilities is exciting for our Airmen, our civil engineer teams and the community partners who support our long-range strike mission.”
The Low Observable Restoration Facility and the Wash Rack are the first completed projects in an estimated $2 billion construction effort at Ellsworth AFB. The base will house the B-21 Formal Training Unit and serve as the first main operating base for the B-21 Raider.
