The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fort Worth District is partnering with multiple Department of the Air Force organizations to facilitate the programming, design, and construction of 25 new or renovated facilities to support the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s newest strategic bomber.
The multi-department team will provide support to the B-21 Raider, along with all the personnel, equipment, and maintenance facilities needed to accomplish the mission. The team includes: Dyess Air Force Base, the Air Force Global Strike Command, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.
“This is a huge responsibility that requires coordination with multiple Air Force stakeholders, so understanding each agency’s expectations concerning their unique requirements is going to be essential for the success of our program,” said Jason Price, USACE B-21 account manager, and the 2023 Fort Worth District Program Manager of the Year.
“We stood up the program during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 and it has picked up speed ever since and now the program is rolling at a very fast pace,” said Peter Matar, Fort Worth District program manager.
The B-21 program is currently managed from Fort Cavazos, but there is a plan to stand up an office at Dyess AFB, Texas.
Considering the complexities of the projects, the Fort Worth team understands there will be a long-lasting partnership with their Raider teammates.
“The initial projects will keep us busy for a while,” said Price. “There is also the potential for future work as the facilities age, so we are in discussion with Dyess to talk about the possibility of project office space to support future projects.”
There is the potential for facility sustainment, restoration, and maintenance opportunities down the road as well.
“Our goal for this program is to provide world-class, fully usable facilities that are within schedule and budget,” said Price. “This will greatly increase Airmen morale at Dyess AFB, Texas and mission readiness of the Air Force around the globe.”
According to Air Force officials, there are three installations designated to house the B-21s. Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota was identified as the main operating base and formal training unit, while Whiteman AFB, Missouri, will serve as an alternate operating base site along with Dyess AFB, Texas.
Additionally, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, will coordinate depot-level maintenance and sustainment of the aircraft, while Edwards AFB, California, will lead B-21 testing and evaluation.
“We are very excited about the B-21 program and our role in supporting such an important mission,” said Price.
According to the DAF, the B-21 Raider is named in honor of the historic Doolittle Raiders. The Raiders were Army Air Force aviators who are known for their surprise attack against Japan during World War II on April 18, 1942. Their raid forced the Japanese to recall combat forces for home defense and boosted morale among Americans and U.S. allies abroad.