ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Ellsworth Air Force Base marked a major milestone Dec. 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of its $129.5 million runway reconstruction project, a critical upgrade that strengthens the nation’s long-range strike readiness as the installation prepares for the B-21 Raider.
Completed on time and within the approved budget, the project ensures Ellsworth can support both current and next-generation bomber operations for decades. The 28th Bomb Wing partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District and contractors to remove and replace the top 12 inches of the runway’s center keel section along the full length of the 13,497-foot runway. The effort also reconstructed Taxiway Foxtrot, partially replaced Taxiway Bravo, rebuilt both overruns, and modernized the airfield’s lighting and electrical systems.
“This project, with this level of significance, demanded laser focus,” said Col. Robert Newbauer, Omaha District commander. “Planning began six years ago. The Air Force initially thought this could be done in a three-year timeframe, but as requirements evolved, it became clear we had to complete it in a single construction season.”
As the first main operating base for the B-21 Raider, Ellsworth requires a runway capable of supporting demanding bomber operations well into the future. The project used 106,000 tons of concrete cement, 105 miles of joint sealing and 83 miles of electrical conduit to deliver a durable pavement system and long-life lighting infrastructure.
“This high-yield-strength concrete is able to take the wear and tear of these airplanes,” Newbauer said. “Not only for the B-1, but for the new sixth-generation bomber coming here. The second piece of that is the airfield lighting, state-of-the-art electrical conduit up and down both sides of the runway.”
The new lighting system is designed to last up to 50 years, supporting enhanced safety, reliability and mission flexibility.
To sustain operations while the runway was closed, Ellsworth relocated 17 B-1B Lancers and approximately 800 Airmen to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, beginning in December 2024. Despite the displacement, the wing continued meeting long-range strike taskings.
More than 220 contractors supported the undertaking with daily coordination between the 28th Bomb Wing, the Omaha District and industry partners ensuring safe, efficient progress on an active installation.
“Rebuilding a runway of this scale requires precision, coordination and a relentless focus on safety and quality,” Newbauer said. “Our engineers and construction partners worked closely with the 28th Bomb Wing every day to keep this effort on track and to ensure the finished runway meets the standards required for decades of reliable use.”
The last major runway reconstruction at Ellsworth occurred in the 1980s when the B-1 first arrived. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the start of a new chapter in Ellsworth’s role in defending the nation.
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