State Senator Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, has announced that starting in 2020, Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster will become home to the B-21 Raider Bomber.
According to a news release from Hoskins’ office, the United States Air Force recently selected three bases across the country, including Dyess Air Force Base in Texas; Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota; and Whiteman to house the new aircraft.
Hoskins said “This is wonderful news for the continued success of Whiteman’s mission to protect our country, as well as for the communities that surround the base.”
The B-21 Raider would be one of two nuclear-capable bombers in the Missouri Air National Guard. According to reports from Air Force officials, using the current bomber bases will minimize operational impact, reduce overhead, maximize reuse of facilities and minimize cost.
Hoskins says Whiteman Air Force Base contributes more than $850 million to Missouri’s economy and is responsible for more than 11,500 direct and indirect jobs.