28th Bomb Wing B-1B fleet returns home, ends historic aircraft relocation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jovan Banks
  • 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

The Airmen of the 28th Bomb Wing redeployed the final B-1B Lancers to Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, from Grand Forks AFB, Dec. 8, 2025, officially ending the historic return of the B-1B to Grand Forks AFB 30-years after the final B-1 stationed here departed in 1994. 

Seventeen B-1Bs and approximately 800 airmen were temporarily relocated to Grand Forks AFB in December of 2024. The Lancer fleet movement allowed Ellsworth AFB to expedite its $130-million runway construction project in preparation for receipt of the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s first sixth-generation aircraft.

“Grand Forks Air Force Base is beyond proud of what our Wings accomplished together this last year,” said Col. Alfred Rosales, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “Our community accepted the B-1 mission as our own, and through teamwork we ensured uninterrupted power projection for Global Strike Command. It was also a testament to the importance of embodying the ‘One Team, One Fight’ mentality.” 

In addition to facilitating Ellsworth AFB’s runway project, the year-long relocation to Grand Forks AFB ensured the B-1B’s deterrence mission remained steadfast. During the beddown, the 28th BW supported two Bomber Task Force deployments to the Indo-Pacific and European regions and three joint force and multilateral exercises.
“The relocation transcended a mere change in venue; it served as a testing ground,” said Col. Erick Lord, 28th Bomb Wing commander. “This deployment bolstered our logistics machine, fine-tuned our maintenance procedures, and honed the operational practices crucial for the upcoming B-21 era. The temporary relocation granted Ellsworth the opportunity to expedite the development of the B-21 campus, which will serve as the cornerstone of America's long-range strike capabilities for years to come.”

The 28th BW’s mission continuation showcases the interoperability between manned and unmanned aircraft in Grand Forks AFB’s airspace. The 319th RW continued the global mission of the RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 while supporting B-1B sorties and mission partner operations including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Grand Forks County’s GrandSKY aviation park, University of North Dakota, and Grand Forks International Airport flights. 

“The careful mission planning and airspace management of the 319th Operations Group was essential in preventing disruption to the Global Hawk’s Secretary of War-directed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance taskings while balancing the continuation of the B-1’s Bomber Task Force deterrence mission,” said Rosales.

This relocation also showcased the resilience of Grand Forks AFB’s infrastructure and ingenuity of 319th RW airmen as many equipment systems saw the highest operational levels in decades. The 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s 30-year old fuels hydrant system reached 15-year operational highs, pumping 2.6 million gallons of fuel in the first six months of the beddown. In 2024, the fuel system only pumped 215,000 gallons of fuel in total.

“The 319th did not just act as landlords but as partners in safeguarding a national asset,” said Lord. “Their Airmen recognized the significance of the mission and treated the B-1s accordingly, fostering an environment for our personnel to evolve, enhance their expeditionary skills, and prepare for future operational concepts emphasizing unified efforts across commands.”

Airmen from Ellsworth AFB rotated to and from Grand Forks AFB approximately every three months, beginning just before the holiday season in 2024. The Grand Forks Military Affairs Committee held two evening receptions for the relocated personnel to introduce them to the entertainment options in the local community and to foster a sense of support while they were away from their families.

“Any movement of this size requires strong relationships both within and outside of the Department of the Air Force,” said Rosales. “Housing 800 airmen for a year, ensuring they feel welcomed and at home, and reviving the B-1 mission after three decades wouldn’t have been possible without the flexibility, adaptability, and unwavering support of our local community. They shared our excitement in seeing the Lancers soaring though the skies once again and should feel equally prideful in making this beddown possible.” 

Lord commended the partnership between the 28th BW and 319th RW, and noted the support received from the off-base community in Grand Forks had a positive effect on the morale of the temporarily relocated airmen. 

“The Grand Forks community epitomized the finest aspects of American values: selfless service, unwavering determination, and an innate inclination to support those defending the nation,” said Lord. “Their support ensured our Airmen remained focused, prepared, and grounded despite being away from home. In doing so, they reinforced the vital bond between the military and the citizens we protect.”