Guard Unit Sets Up Shop at Ellsworth

The South Dakota National Guard’s 82nd Civil Support Team moved into its new facility at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., during a ceremony on Oct. 29, marking the first time that a Guard unit will call the bomber base home. The 22-member 82nd CST is one of 55 teams across the US that is trained to help state and local responders deal with chemical, nuclear, and biological attacks. It was formerly located at Camp Rapid in Rapid City; Ellsworth is considered a more central location. “The new building is an improvement from the old location at Camp Rapid not only because it holds all the team’s equipment, but also because of the quick access to Ellsworth’s runway,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen, South Dakota National Guard Adjutant General. Construction of the $2 million facility began in May 2007. (Ellsworth report by A1C Abigail Klein)