The US Air Force has activated B-21 Integration Detachment 1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to coordinate the Raider’s move into operations at its first main operating base. The unit, established during a 9 September ceremony, is now responsible for synchronising the bomber’s infrastructure, personnel, communications, maintenance, weapons procedures, logistics and mission planning as the B-21 remains on track for delivery in 2027.
Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman officiated the activation and Lt. Col. Joshua Dawkins took command of the detachment. The new organisation gives Ellsworth a dedicated commander-led team for the transition from construction and preparation into operational fielding, with the base set to support both nuclear and conventional long-range strike missions.
Ellsworth is undergoing a near-$2 billion expansion to support the programme, with specialised facilities already accepted by the Air Force, including a low-observable restoration facility and a wash rack and general maintenance hangar. The integration detachment is intended to align that build-out with the aircraft’s delivery timeline and keep the base ready for the Raider’s first operational use.