Dyess AFB, TX – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) visited Dyess Air Force Base where he met with Airmen, discussed operational readiness and base infrastructure with command, and toured new projects related to the beddown of the next-generation B-21 Bomber.
“Honored to visit Dyess Air Force Base where I met with some incredible servicemembers, discussed the beddown of the next generation B-21 bomber, and was briefed on the operational readiness of the Air Force,” said Chairman Arrington.“Securing the B-21 fleet in the Big Country and tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure to support it is one of my proudest achievements. I will never stop fighting for our brave airmen at Dyess who deploy across the world and dominate the sky to deter our enemies and defend our freedom."
“We were honored to host Congressman Arrington at Dyess to showcase the dedication of our Airmen and the importance of modernizing base infrastructure,” said Col. Seth Spanier, 7th Bomb Wing Commander. “His visit provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the need for continued investment in our entry control points, which are essential to ensuring the safety and security of our base, our Airmen, and the future B-21 mission."
"Abilene is proud to be the home to Dyess Air Force Base the only lift and strike base right here in the Big Country," said Gray Bridwell, Vice President of Abilene Military Affairs. "The Military Affairs Committee is working hard on B-21 Bed Down with Congressman Arrington to insure critical infrastructure needs are met."
Background:
- In 2019, Arrington secured Dyess Air Force Base as the only base in the country to house both the operational test squadron and the weapons training school for the next generation bomber, the B-21 Raider.
- In 2022, Arrington secured $10 million for B-1 hypersonic integration and $4.9 billion for the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber.
- Last year, Arrington delivered over $30 million – the largest investment in a National Defense Authorization bill Dyess history – for infrastructure and resources to support the B-21’s arrival to the Big Country.
- $12.8M for a B-21 Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Admin Lab.
- $18.5M for a B-21 Refueler Truck Yard.
- While awaiting the arrival of the B-21, Arrington has been instrumental in securing critical upgrades to the B-1 Lancer.
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