They're back!

  • Published
  • By 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Twenty B-1 bombers and more than 550 base personnel returned home to Dyess Nov. 7 after spending more than a month at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. 

The bombers and personnel were temporarily relocated to Ellsworth AFB in September in order to accommodate much-needed repairs on more than 6,600 feet of the main runway here. 

"Readiness and training for the B-1 and C-130 crews and support personnel are critical due to their significant role in the Global War on Terror, and we were able to sustain our readiness and training thanks to the tremendous teamwork between Ellsworth, Dyess and Abilene," said Col. Timothy Ray, 7th Bomb Wing commander. 

The 823rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers from Hurlburt Field, Fla., completed the construction nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, allowing the bombers and personnel to return early. 

Bringing the REDHORSE team here was the best way to provide them with realistic training for deployment while saving the Air Force millions, he said. 

"This team's been awesome," said Col. James Hammes, 7th Mission Support Group commander. "These guys have been working 12 to 14 hours per day, six days a week, and have done an outstanding job." 

Tremendous teamwork made a difficult plan come together brilliantly and in an extraordinarily short period of time. 

"It's very impressive that we were able to take (all those) planes, including all of the logistics, support, maintenance and medical personnel necessary, and be able to continue the mission," said Lt. Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Squadron commander. 

Fortunately, the C-130s here were able to continue operations off of Dyess' re-painted taxiway. 

Major Jaska Cason, 317th Airlift Group plans and programs, said converting taxiway Alpha into a runway for the C-130s was an outstanding team effort that saved the Herks from having to relocate as well. 

This was the opportune time to complete the construction while the 9th Bomb Squadron is currently deployed. With the already reduced flying training requirement, there was less of an impact on operational readiness. 

"Getting the runway repaved will make Dyess a viable asset to the Air Force and the Global War on Terror for years to come," Colonel Weatherington said. 

"Our military construction team did an outstanding job helping us save more than $14 million and finishing ahead of schedule so our Airmen could return to their families early," Colonel Ray said. "We're excited to have them all back!"