WC Missouri News

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III has approved Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to be the second base to receive the B-21 Raider, the Air Force's newest stealth bomber.

This decision follows a thorough evaluation process, which included operational analysis, site surveys, and consideration of environmental, economic, and technical factors.

"The experience that Whiteman AFB has with the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and its strategic location played into the decision to base the B-21 here," said an official statement from the U.S. Air Force.

The B-21 is expected to be a significant improvement over current bombers, capable of penetrating contested air spaces at long range and deploying either conventional or nuclear munitions. The Air Force Global Strike Command will continue to maintain and modernize its B-1 and B-2 bombers until the B-21 is delivered.

The 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB has a history dating back to its creation during World War II as the 509th Composite Group. The unit has been a vital component of the Air Force's bomber fleet ever since.

Whiteman AFB is strategically located in central United States, providing easy access to both coasts and central regions. This location allows for quick response times and global reach capabilities for the B-21.

Additionally, Whiteman AFB already possesses infrastructure and systems necessary to support the B-21, including a skilled workforce and modern facilities. This will facilitate a smoother transition for both personnel and operations.

Whiteman is one of three bases selected to house the B-21 Raider, with Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota being designated as the first base and Dyess AFB in Texas as the third.