Ellsworth Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base and home to the 28th Bomb Wing.
Location
Ellsworth AFB is located just outside of Box Elder, South Dakota. Rapid City is the nearest city (10 miles away). The military is the largest employer in the region and the second largest employer in the state. Wages outside of the base are fairly low. There is no state sales tax and housing is somewhat reasonable.
History
Ellsworth was initially opened as the Rapid City Army Air Base in September 1942, and was a training base for the B-17 “Flying Fortress.” In June 1953, the base was renamed Ellsworth Air Force Base in honor of Brig. Gen. Richard E. Ellsworth, commander of the 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, who was killed in March 1953, when his RB-36 crashed in Newfoundland. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the base in honor of General Ellsworth.
Mission
Providing rapid, decisive and sustainable combat air power and expeditionary combat support, the 28th Bomb wing is assigned to 12th Air Force under Air Combat Command. As home to the B-1B, the 28th Bomb Wing provides operational support in areas such as security forces, personnel and administration, civil engineering, communications, supply, transportation, chaplain, recreation and food services.
Population Served
Ellsworth AFB serves approximately 3,611 military members, 3,879 family members, 2,596 retirees and 420 civilians.
Base Transportation
Transportation for official use only (squadron to MPF, etc.) is available via taxi service Monday through Friday from 0700-1600. Contact the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron 605-385-2910.
Sponsorship
A valuable resource to have before making your move to Ellsworth is your sponsor. Should you ever need additional assistance and you cannot reach your sponsor, contact Relocation Services within the Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 312-675-4663 or 605-385-4663 for additional assistance.
Temporary Quarters
All personnel can contact the reservations clerk at DSN 312-675-2844 or 605-385-2844 to make reservations for temporary living. Ellsworth has a large number of new quarters and many of our newest ones are designed specifically for junior enlisted families. You can expect to receive quarters almost immediately upon arrival, but it is important call ahead.
Relocation Assistance
Within the Rushmore Center, you will find a well-stocked Airman and Family Readiness Center ready to assist with a large loan closet (everything you would need to set up house for 1-2 months). Please give us a call at DSN 312-675-4663 or 605-385-4663, or or stop in for a visit.
Critical Installation Information
Copies of orders, phone numbers of family, friends, your sponsor, duplicates of luggage/car/other important keys, home inventory of household goods (plus pictures or videos and receipts), medical and dental records, cash and small valuables.
Contact Information
28th Civil Engineering Housing Office
3025 Lincoln Drive
Ellsworth AFB SD 57706
DSN: 675-2568/2570
COMM: (605) 385-2568/2570
DORMS: 675-2567 or (605) 385-2567