Ellsworth Air Force Base marked a major milestone Wednesday with the completion of its $130 million runway reconstruction, paving the way for the return of B-1 bombers and nearly 700 airmen who have been operating out of Grand Forks, North Dakota since January.
The 13,497‑foot runway, rebuilt in just 10 months, features new asphalt, upgraded taxiways, and a modern lighting system expected to extend the airfield’s viability for the next 50 years.
The project temporarily left Ellsworth without B‑1s for the first time in 38 years and was undertaken in preparation for the arrival of the B‑21 Raider. While no timeline has been set for the return of aircraft or personnel, officials say the runway is ready.
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