B-1B Bombers Might Move Temporarily To Grand Forks As Ellsworth Prepares For B-21’s Arrival | Aviation

The B-1B bombers’ relocation to Grand Forks AFB for ten months would allow Ellsworth AFB to renovate its runway as works continue in preparation for the B-21’s arrival.

Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, might host again the B-1B Lancer bomber 30 years after it left the base and the former 319th Bomb Wing first transitioned to the air refueling mission and later to the reconnaissance mission. In fact, the U.S. Air Force is verifying the feasibility of the bombers’ relocation from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to Grand Forks next year.

The temporary move would last ten months, starting in February 2025, and will allow Ellsworth to renovate its runway as works continue in preparation for the B-21 Raider’s arrival. Sen. John Hoeven told the Grand Forks Herald last week that 17 B-1B Lancer bombers would likely be reassigned to Grand Forks.

Spokespersons for the Air Force Global Strike Command and Grand Forks AFB confirmed to Air and Space Forces Magazine and the Grand Forks Herald that decision is not definitive. In fact, the final decision is dependent on the results of the ongoing environmental review that…