Senior Air Force leaders, defense industry representatives and civic stakeholders gathered in Abilene, Texas, Oct. 8, for a B-21 summit focused on preparing Dyess Air Force Base for its future mission and strengthening the military-community partnerships essential to the next generation of long-range strike.
Hosted by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Council, the summit brought together military, government and industry leaders to discuss bomber modernization, installation infrastructure and community resources while emphasizing the importance of maintaining combat readiness throughout the transition.
"The Air Force has responsibilities inside the fence line, and our community partners have responsibilities outside it. But our military families experience both sides of that fence every single day," said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John Nichols, vice president of the Abilene Military Affairs Council.
The B-21 Raider, the Air Force's next-generation stealth bomber, is a long-range, penetrating strike aircraft designed to operate in highly contested environments. The aircraft will strengthen conventional and nuclear deterrence while providing the joint force with advanced capabilities to counter emerging threats. As the B-21's designated third main operating base, Dyess AFB will play a critical role in the Air Force's future long-range strike mission.
During a panel discussion, Lt. Gen. Mark Pye, deputy director, Critical Major Weapon Systems for the Department of War, and Maj. Gen. Peter Bonetti, director, Air Force Global Strike Command Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, discussed the B-21's role in national defense and the coordination required to integrate the aircraft into the operational force.
Pye described the B-21 as a generational advancement in bomber capabilities, emphasizing its range, payload flexibility and survivability in contested environments. He also highlighted the importance of preparing the personnel, training systems and infrastructure necessary to employ and sustain the aircraft.
"Successfully fielding the B-21 will require relentless teamwork and ruthless prioritization for years to come," Pye said. "We must remain focused on the mission, align our efforts and sustain that momentum throughout the transition."
Bonetti emphasized that the transition will require highly specialized Airmen whose experience and expertise will be essential to sustaining the B-21 mission.
"The B-21 will require some of the most highly trained and specialized Airmen in our force," Bonetti said. "Retaining that expertise depends not only on the mission, but also on the quality of life and support our Airmen and their families receive from the surrounding community."
U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, representing Texas' 19th Congressional District, reinforced the importance of building upon the community's longstanding advocacy for Dyess AFB and translating that commitment into preparations for the future mission. Chris Adams, Northrop Grumman sector vice president and general manager of the B-21 program, provided an industry perspective on the aircraft's development and opportunities for continued workforce collaboration.
While the B-21 represents a significant advancement in military capability, Air Force leaders emphasized that modernization must occur alongside the bomber force's existing operational responsibilities.
Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, highlighted the importance of sustaining combat readiness while preparing for future capabilities.
"We must remain ready to execute today's mission while preparing for tomorrow's capabilities," Neuman said. "Modernization cannot come at the expense of readiness, and taking care of our Airmen is essential to sustaining both."
During a discussion featuring leaders from Dyess AFB and Whiteman AFB, Missouri, Col. Tim Griffith, 509th Bomb Wing deputy commander, shared lessons from sustaining the B-2 Spirit mission, including the importance of experienced Airmen, technical expertise and operational security.
Col. Robert Sturgill, 7th Bomb Wing and installation commander, reinforced the importance of maintaining Dyess AFB's current combat capabilities while preparing the installation for its future mission.
"We can bring in the B-21, develop new weapons and build new facilities, but people are more important than hardware," Sturgill said. "Our most important responsibility is preparing Airmen to execute the mission while ensuring we're ready to fight today."
Sturgill also highlighted housing availability, construction capacity and community resources as priorities requiring continued coordination with local partners as the installation prepares for future growth.
William Beuschel, Dyess AFB B-21 Program Integration Office deputy chief, outlined approximately $2 billion in planned infrastructure investments to support the aircraft's arrival. The projects represent a significant transformation of the installation, requiring extensive coordination among the Air Force, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and industry partners. Beuschel highlighted construction timelines, workforce availability and regional infrastructure as key considerations in preparing Dyess AFB for its future mission.
Community leaders expanded on those discussions during an afternoon panel focused on housing, child care, health care, workforce development and infrastructure. Katie Alford, representing the Community Foundation of Abilene, and Will Dugger, chairman of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce board, emphasized collaboration among local government, businesses and community organizations to address shared challenges and support future growth.
Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt closed the summit by reaffirming the city's commitment to Dyess AFB, emphasizing that preparing for the B-21 extends beyond infrastructure and economic development to the Airmen and families who serve at the installation.
"Dyess isn't just a military installation in Abilene. It's part of our family," Hurt said. "Our commitment is to ensure the Airmen and families who serve our nation know they have a community standing behind them."
As Dyess AFB prepares to welcome the B-21 Raider, the summit reinforced that the installation's future depends on more than advanced aircraft and new facilities. Sustained collaboration among the Air Force, defense industry and Abilene community will be essential to maintaining combat readiness, supporting Airmen and their families and ensuring Dyess AFB is prepared to deliver long-range strike capabilities for decades to come.
