Approximately Eight B-52 bombers from Minot AFB, N.D., will spend the next six months at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., while engineers at Minot complete a runway overhaul. More than 300 flight crew and support personnel from Minot also deployed to support flight operations from Ellsworth. “We’ve always had a close relationship with Ellsworth and we’re looking forward to being able to fly more with the B-1s,” said Col. Todd Copeland, commander of Minot’s 5th Operations Group. “This will create a synergistic effect between the two bombers.” The runway repairs are slated to cost between $35 million and $50 million, according to the industry solicitation. The first B-52 touched down at Ellsworth on March 26, according to a base release.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
