Press Releases

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson in support of the Air Force selecting Dyess Air Force Base as the principal training base for the new B-21 Raider. In the letter, which was cosigned by seventeen other members of the Texas delegation, Arrington recognized Dyess’ unique advantages and its superb record as a bomber training base for more than thirty years. Additionally, Arrington noted the unmatched support the airmen and women at Dyess receive from the Abilene community. “Dyess’ long history as a bomber training base and its extensive assets make it an outstanding training base for the B-21. Moreover the Abilene community has been recognized year-after-year for its excellent support for the fine men and women who serve at Dyess and their families. We too are supportive of Dyess and are confident that it will do an exceptional job as the training base for the B-21 Raider,” Arrington said. BACKGROUND In February, Arrington met with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson to discuss Dyess’ future as the home of the new B-21 long-range strike bomber. The Air Force has made the decision to retire both the B-1 and B-2 bombers while continuing the viability of the B-52 bomber through 2050. The NDAA passed by the House in July authorizes full funding for Dyess for operations and critical missions including the development of the next generation B-21 bomber.