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KTAB: Representative Jodey Arrington offers comment on pending B-21 bomber mission

Washington, DC, February 16, 2018
(PRESS RELEASE) - United States Representative Jodey Arrington met with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson in his Washington, D.C. office. The purpose of the meeting was to review the status of the basing process for the B-21 bomber and reinforce JodeyYesterday, Congressman air space, and community support. Additionally, Arrington requested their assistance on air space expansion opportunities as well as upgrading the dilapidated on-base dormitories.
“Having lived and served in New Mexico, Secretary Wilson is very familiar with Dyess and our region. She was very engaged and receptive to both our challenges and opportunities,” said Arrington.
With respect to the B-21 basing decision, this is what is known:
· The future of Dyess as a bomber base is secure.
· 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 Air Force is still in the process of collecting data and conducting the necessary analyses in order to make a final decision on which of their current bomber bases will host the B-21.
“While the final decision on basing the B-21 has not been made, it is clear to me the likelihood of Dyess being one of the bases selected to host the B-21 is very good,” continued Arrington.“Secretary Wilson has a unique background and set of qualifications to lead the United States Air Force having served in the White House, Congress, and Air Force. No one is more qualified to lead our Airmen and women into the 21st Century, and I am confident she will make the best decisions for the national security interests of our country and the safety of our men and women in uniform, including the future of Dyess and basing the B-21.
“The Secretary has assured me that she will update me on any additional information related to the future of Dyess and the B-21 basing decision at the earliest appropriate time. I will continue to be a champion and strong voice for our military and Airmen and women at Dyess, and I will support the Secretary in her efforts to rebuild our Air Force and strengthen our national security.”  
At the conclusion of their meeting, Arrington extended an invitation to Secretary Wilson to visit Dyess Air Force Base to which she expressed an enthusiastic desire to take him up on the invitation.
BACKGROUND
Earlier this week, following the Air Force’s announcement that existing bomber bases, including Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, will remain bomber bases into the future as Northrop Grumman’s next-generation B-21 “Raiders” become operational, Congressman Arrington (TX-19) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements:
“The exceptional airmen at Dyess have proven their ability time and again to produce combat-ready crews, and this will help them to further enhance Air Force readiness,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “The fleet of B-21 Raiders will benefit not just the Abilene community, but also our national security for decades to come.” 
"This is no doubt a tribute to the quality of our Airmen and women at Rep. Arrington."Dyess Air Force Base is one West Texas-sized step closer to basing the B-21 bomber," 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 and, while I am extremely confident the B-21 will grace the Key City, I will continue to be vigilant in championing Dyess to Secretary Wilson, General Rand, and the entire Air Force leadership until I see the Secretary's signature on the dotted line."
This article is a press release from Dyess Air Force Base.