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28th Bomb Wing Commander

USAF

Ellsworth Air Force Base is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, one of only two B-1B Lancer strategic bomber wings in the United States Air Force.  Earlier this month, Ellsworth officials announced that the base will downsize personnel this year as part of a nationwide shift in Air Force funding priorities.  As the military draws down troops in Afghanistan, the Air Force is developing new aircraft, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the KC-46 tanker and a new long-range strike bomber.  The talk of downsizing personnel comes at the same time Ellsworth has undertaken base improvements and renovations.  Col. Kevin Kennedy, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, discussed the improvements and fiscal challenges.