According to bridgat, Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, just eight miles northeast of Rapid City. The base is approximately 2,500 acres and is comprised of two runways, one at 12,000 feet and one at 8,000 feet. The base also houses a variety of support facilities such as an air traffic control tower, a fire station, a medical clinic, and a chapel.
In addition to its two runways, Ellsworth AFB is surrounded by numerous outdoor recreational areas such as Bear Butte State Park and Palmer Gulch Resort. These areas offer visitors the opportunity to take part in activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and more. Additionally, nearby Rapid City offers a variety of shopping centers and restaurants for those looking for something to do off base.
The Black Hills region of South Dakota provides Ellsworth AFB with some of the most stunning natural scenery in the United States. From its towering mountain peaks to meandering rivers and streams there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the area’s rugged terrain. In addition to this natural beauty there are also several historic sites near the base including Fort Meade Military Reservation which was used by the US Army during both World Wars I & II.
The climate in Ellsworth AFB is generally mild throughout the year with temperatures ranging from hot summers to cold winters. Summers tend to be dry while winters can bring significant snowfall which has been known to accumulate up to six feet deep in some areas. This snowfall helps make Ellsworth AFB a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts who come from all over the country each year looking for an adrenaline rush on their skis or snowboards.
Overall, Ellsworth AFB provides visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation while also offering access to some remarkable natural scenery that can be found nowhere else in the United States. From its stunning mountain peaks and meandering rivers to its historical sites this region truly has something for everyone no matter what their interests may be.
History of Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota
According to citypopulationreview, Ellsworth Air Force Base, located near Rapid City, South Dakota, has a long and storied history. The base was originally established in 1942 as Rapid City Army Air Base to serve as a training site for the US Army Air Corps. At the time, it was one of only four such bases in the country and served as an important hub for training pilots and navigators during World War II.
Following the war, Rapid City Army Air Base was renamed Ellsworth Air Force Base in honor of Brigadier General Richard Ellsworth, a World War I flying ace who had been killed in action during the war. The base continued to operate as an active duty installation until 1967 when it was transferred to the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG).
In 1979, Ellsworth AFB regained its active duty status when it became home to Strategic Air Command’s (SAC) 28th Bomb Wing. It would remain under SAC until 1992 when it became part of the newly formed Air Combat Command (ACC). Today, Ellsworth is home to ACC’s 28th Bomb Wing which operates B-1B Lancer bombers and is responsible for global conventional deterrence missions.
Throughout its history, Ellsworth AFB has undergone numerous changes and expansions including two new runways; one at 12,000 feet and one at 8,000 feet; an air traffic control tower; a fire station; a medical clinic; and a chapel. In addition to its two runways, Ellsworth AFB is surrounded by numerous outdoor recreational areas such as Bear Butte State Park and Palmer Gulch Resort which offer visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and more.
The Black Hills region of South Dakota provides Ellsworth AFB with some of the most stunning natural scenery in the United States with towering mountain peaks meandering rivers and streams offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its rugged terrain. In addition to this natural beauty there are also several historic sites near the base including Fort Meade Military Reservation which was used by the US Army during both World Wars I & II.
Overall, Ellsworth AFB has played an important role throughout history from being an active duty installation during World War II up through today when it serves as home to ACC’s 28th Bomb Wing providing global conventional deterrence missions with its B-1B Lancer bombers. The base also offers visitors access to some remarkable natural scenery in addition to plenty of recreational activities making this region truly something special.
Economy of Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota
Ellsworth AFB, located in western South Dakota, is home to the 28th Bomb Wing of the Air Combat Command and serves as an important economic engine for the region. With its strategic location in the northern Great Plains, Ellsworth AFB plays a critical role in providing employment opportunities to local residents, while also contributing to the overall economy of South Dakota.
The base is home to approximately 4,000 military personnel and over 10,000 civilian employees including those employed by contractors. The economic impact of these individuals is significant with an estimated $276 million spent in wages and salaries each year. This money is then circulated throughout the local economy with businesses such as restaurants and retail outlets benefiting from increased sales.
In addition to payroll spending at Ellsworth AFB, there are also a number of other economic benefits associated with the base such as construction projects for new facilities and infrastructure improvements. These projects help create jobs for local contractors who are then able to hire additional employees which further boosts economic activity across South Dakota.
The base also provides a number of other services that benefit local businesses such as housing for military personnel and their families which helps support real estate prices throughout the area. In addition to this, Ellsworth AFB also operates several shopping centers on-base that provide goods and services not only to military personnel but also to civilians living near or near by the base making it a convenient shopping destination for many in the area.
Overall, Ellsworth AFB serves as an important economic driver not only within South Dakota but across the entire region due to its strategic location along with its numerous military personnel and civilian employees who contribute significantly towards payroll spending each year. The base also provides additional services which benefit both military personnel and civilians alike making it an essential part of life in western South Dakota.
Politics in Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota
Ellsworth AFB, located in South Dakota, is home to both active duty and reserve members of the US Air Force. The base is located in an area of the state that is politically conservative and largely Republican. The local population supports the military presence in their community, as evidenced by the high voter turnout at elections. The local politics are generally focused on issues that affect the local population, such as education, public safety, and economic development. There are several organizations within the community that are dedicated to promoting political discussions and ideas. These organizations include the Ellsworth County Republican Club and the Ellsworth County Democrats. Both organizations have actively participated in local political campaigns and events over the years.
The city of Rapid City, which is located near Ellsworth AFB, has a more moderate political landscape compared to other parts of South Dakota. While Republicans still dominate at most levels of government, there is a larger contingent of Democrats here than elsewhere in the state. This can be seen in recent elections where Democratic candidates for mayor have been elected with strong support from both parties’ voters. Rapid City also has a large Native American population who are generally more progressive than other residents of South Dakota when it comes to politics. In addition to these two main political camps, there are several smaller independent groups who advocate for various causes or interests within Rapid City or South Dakota as a whole.
