In the News

By: Matt Dotray The U.S. Air force says existing bomber bases such as Dyess Air Force near Abilene will house the next generation B-21 Raiders when they become operational. The Air Force announced in a news release Monday that if Congress OKs its current proposal, bases that have bombers now will have bombers in the future, including the B-21 Raiders when it comes online. According to the news release, the Air Force plans to start incorporating the B-21 Raiders in the mid-2020′s, and they’ll slowly replace the current aircraft — the B-1′s and the B-2′s. U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, a Republican who represents Lubbock and Abilene, said in a statement Monday that he was encouraged by the development and would continue to work to make sure the new bombers have a place at Dyess. “Dyess Air Force Base is one West Texas-sized step closer to basing the B-21 bomber,” he said. “This is no doubt a tribute to the quality of our airmen and women at Dyess, and the unmatched support from the community of Abilene. Abilene and Dyess are inseparable and in order to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the Big Country, securing the B-21 is absolutely essential. This is a generational opportunity for West Texas.”