Meeting up with an old friend

My Air Force Reserve service began in 2011 when I was assigned as an individual mobilization augmentee (IMA) chaplain to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The base is home to two of the oldest units in the US Air Force, the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons, better known as WWII’s Doolittle Raiders. For nearly two years I made regular twelve hour drives to Rapid City, South Dakota and began to the process of learning what military ministry was all about. We were blessed with a great team, and some of the friendships that I made there helped change the trajectory of my life. Not only were the people that met there incredible, the scenery of the Black Hills truly is as beautiful as all the tourist brochures make it out to be.

Lancers over the Black Hills

For an aviation enthusiast, one of the extra perks of getting to spend time at Ellsworth AFB was hanging around the Rockwell B-1B. Simply seeing the planes lined up the flight line was impressive enough, but getting to see the Lancer take off with the Black Hills off on the horizon was utterly breathtaking. For those who would like to get up close and personal, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum provides an opportunity to see a B-1 on static display, as well as a simulated cockpit to climb into. It is impressive how sleek this plane manages to look, in spite of its massive size.

Ellsworth AFB is one of two bases that fly the B-1B. The other is Dyess AFB in Texas. Originally designed for supersonic, high altitude, strike during the Cold War, the Lancer evolved into a subsonic, low-level, penetrator. It first saw combat in Iraq in 1998 and has been used continually in the years since September 11, 2001. Despite its remote location, Ellsworth AFB was a community very much affected by the events around the world. While stationed in South Dakota I had my first opportunity to support those preparing for, and returning from, deployment overseas.

Down memory lane with the B-1B

This weekend I got a chance to briefly get reacquainted with my old unit. A B-1B from Ellsworth AFB made the trip to St. Louis to take part in Scott AFB’s Centennial Airshow. Although I love my unit at Scott AFB, and do not miss the excruciatingly long drive to South Dakota, there will always be something special for me about this plane and the memories it represents. It was nice to spend a few minutes catching up with the aircraft that helped welcome me into the Air Force Reserve.