DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- June 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of B-1B Lancer at Dyess AFB.
The multi-mission B-1, carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force, is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, rapidly delivering massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, on demand.
“For decades, the B-1 has been the foundation of our long-range strike capability,” said Lt. Col. Brian Guyette, 28th Bomb Squadron commander. “At the formal training unit for the B-1, we take pride in forging the world’s best combat aviators who will carry forward the proud legacy that has defined B-1 operations for the last 40 years.”
The B-1 was developed as a supersonic nuclear bomber to replace the B-52 Stratofortress after the Cold War. The first B-1, “The Star of Abilene,” was delivered to Dyess AFB on June 29, 1985.
Following the U.S. signing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which limited the number and types of nuclear delivery systems, the Department of Defense redefined the roles of Air Force bombers. The B-52 Stratofortress, flying at higher altitudes, and B-2 Spirit, a low-observable stealth bomber, retained nuclear capability while the B-1 undertook the role of a versatile, multi-mission weapon system able to integrate with joint forces; its superior speed and larger conventional payload set it apart
“The B-1 is an incredible aircraft. It brings unmatched versatility and firepower to the fight,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Stillwell, 9th Bomb Squadron commander. “Here at the 9th, we’ve demonstrated the B-1’s ability to rapidly deliver munitions across the globe, consistently showing up for our allies and partners.”
In 2015, following the alignment of 7th BW to Air Force Global Strike Command, the B-1 supported continuous bomber presence missions from three European operating locations until the establishment of Bomber Task Force missions in 2018. BTF operations involve the regular and routine deployment of AFGSC’s bomber forces worldwide to demonstrate readiness, enhance deterrence and support allied integration and National Defense Strategy objectives.
During its support to BTFs, the B-1 has certified new airfields for hot-pit refueling and B-1 operations, integrated with allies and partners around the globe and conducted multi-day sorties in contested environments, projecting force and demonstrating the U.S.’ unwavering commitment. The B-1 continues to support BTFs, deploying to various geographic commands and honing critical capabilities alongside partner and allied forces.
“The B-1’s ability to deploy quickly, operate at supersonic speeds and carry the largest conventional payload makes it inherently unpredictable to adversaries and a flexible combat asset,” said Stillwell. “Whether it’s integrating with our allies or responding to our adversaries, the B-1 enables a forward presence alongside critical strategic reach. Our adversaries never know when or where a B-1 will show up, but they all know exactly what it can do when it does.”
In 2024, the first B-1 combat mission where the aircraft departed from and immediately returned to the U.S. without landing took place February 1-3. B-1s assigned to the 28th BW launched from Dyess AFB to strike targets in Iraq and Syria, returning after 34 hours of flight.
“When it comes to penetrating enemy defenses and delivering the final blow before coming right back home again, there is no aircraft or crews finer than the B-1 and the Airmen that support them,” said Col. Seth Spanier, 7th Bomb Wing commander. “With in-flight refueling and advanced targeting capabilities, we can ensure bombs hit their target and aircrews return safely, all without the need for forward basing. It's a proven model; our adversaries know it, and our Airmen demonstrate it. The B-1 has always been and remains a testament to the dominance of U.S. airpower.”
After 40 years, the B-1 has proven itself as a multi-mission bomber relied on by the DoD to execute global strike capabilities and support NDS objectives. AFGSC employs the B-1 to deter threats worldwide as the fastest, highest-loading, and only purely conventional bomber in the Air Force.
As the 7th BW celebrates the B-1, they also look to the future. The Air Force has named the B-21 Raider as “the backbone of the future Air Force bomber force”. The B-21 will be nuclear-capable with systems created to integrate future modernization efforts and accommodate manned or unmanned operations. The B-21 will incrementally replace the B-1; Dyess AFB will be the third base to receive the new bomber.
“The B-1 has defined what it means to deliver rapid, precise power across the globe, shaping how we project strength in today’s era of great power competition,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, commander of Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center. “Its legacy of combat credibility and adaptability laid the foundation for the future, the B-21 Raider. The B-21 is a bomber built from the lessons, achievements and relentless drive of the bomber community. Modernization isn’t the retirement of the past, but a continuation of excellence forged through decades of real-world operations.”
Today, the 7th BW flies the B-1B Lancer in pursuit of its vision: to be the most respected and feared bomber force in the world. As the 7th BW transitions to the B-21, the B-1 remains ready, relevant and capable of striking tomorrow’s missions with the speed, payload and precision demanded by modern warfare.