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Ellsworth Air Force Base

Our 3D model of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The military airport is located roughly 10 miles northeast of Rapid City, South Dakota. It is a major peacetime base for the US Mission Air Force. Ellsworth Air Force Base is home of the 28th Bomb Wing. The former operates the B-1B Lancer bombers. Sited at Ellsworth AFB, the base is a home to approximately 8,000 military members and their families. The base also benefits a significant number of civilian personnel. Surrounded by the bustling community of Rapid City, visitors have access to everything else that city has to offer. The site offers a one-of-a-kind experience on military air and space history, as well as the story of the U.S. Air Force.

Live Air Traffic

Joint Base Ellsworth Home Welcome to Ellsworth Air Force Base It is based about 10 miles northeast of Rapid City, South Dakota. It is an important US Air Force base This is the home of the 28th Bomb Wing. This wing operates the B-1B Lancer. The wing is now commanded in 2023 by Col. There are approximately 8,000 military personnel and their families at Ellsworth AFB. The base hire civilians as well. The new entrance — which takes over from the old B-52 Stratofortress on display right behind it and will remain for all visitors. The base is located on the sprawling Powder River Training Complex, which was enlarged in 2008. 3) Ellsworth Air Force Base is very important for military training.

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KRCA
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Rapid
IATA: RCA
Longitude: -103.1039963
Latitude: 44.14500046

Ellsworth Air Force Base on Google Maps

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Your Access to the Northern Plains: Ellsworth AFB

Introduction

Introduction to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Located in the heart of South Dakota, Ellsworth Air Force Base (IATA: RCA) is a critical entry point for the United States Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers. It is a smaller facility located about 10 miles northeast of Rapid City, serving as an important part of the military sector when it comes to flying in and out with both commercial travelers and for local and disrupted recreational air expeditions into this wilderness territory.

Airlines and Destinations

Operated as a military airfield by the United States Air Force, Ellsworth AFB has several missions in its statement of operations. The base is the home of the 28th Bomb Wing, which flies long-range B-1B Lancer bombers. The airport can serve as a destination or diversion for commercial passenger flights, but most of the traffic at the facility is from military and government-chartered aircraft, along with private and general aviation flying.

In total, around 8,000 military members and family members are supported by thousands of civilian employees who live in the greater Ellsworth Air Force Base community. The base is home to numerous flight operations, including military, training, and others. However, the number of passengers and flights that have come through the airport is unknown to everyone but national defense and security-related authorities.

How to Get Here

Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, SD, or Ellsworth AFB, is 10 miles northeast of the central business district (CBD) of Rapid City. Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 14 provide direct highway access to the base. The base is also accessible through the nearby Rapid City Regional Airport (IATA: RAP) for commercial airlines, located 6.2 miles away from it and used as well by visitors or personnel alike.

Parking

There is Military parking and slightly more limited Civilian Parking at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The base will have areas for use by different user groups such as service members, civilian employees, or visitors to park. However, parking is free but guarded and available with proper ID.

Transportation Price

Ellsworth Air Force Base is a military installation and does not offer public transportation services. But guests and staff can take private vehicles — rental cars, taxis, or rideshare services — for the commute to and from the base. These services will be available for a fee, and the cost will be based on the provider and distance.

Terminal Layout

Ellsworth Air Force Base is a flight center with one asphalt runway and an air terminal used by the United States Air Forces in concert with its missions. A terminal, with a range of administration offices and places for aircraft support, is in place. The terminal has been planned with its configuration and points specific for the military and government-related functions of both flying crew personnel and their passengers, excluding missionaries only as well as NATO-assigned troops.

Navigate the Airport

Ellsworth Air Force Base is similar to a commercial airport, but there are a few differences in navigating the space. The base is a military installation with tight security and access procedures. Base personnel will provide necessary signage and instructions that visitors must adhere to in order for the process to run smoothly as well as safely.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Ellsworth AFB has only one terminal building, there will be no moving between terminals. The Squadron Support Base, however, has a number of facilities that will need to be located at different sites on the airfield — like hangars and maintenance areas.

Services and Amenities

Ellsworth Air Force Base is a military airfield with services and amenities that have been designed in accordance with its visitors. These may include on-base housing amenities, dining facilities, and recreational activities, including various support services and access provided to the military members as well as their families.

Restaurants and Shops

Ellsworth Air Force Base may not be equipped with the general aviation staples of an airport concourse, but many in-place dining and shopping facilities are accessible by residents within this military installation. This will encompass a range of fast food and casual dining options, as well as base exchange stores for basic necessities.

Security and Customs

Ellsworth Air Force Base is a military installation, with access on a need-to-know basis. Security checks are conducted for everyone entering the base, including visitors. It has customs and immigration for international travelers.

Accessibility

Ellsworth AFB is dedicated to ensuring its facilities and services are available for people with disabilities. The infrastructure and transport of the base are designed with your needs in mind: for those who have reduced mobility or restricted access (physical, sensory, or cognitive).

Travel Tips

When you visit Ellsworth Air Force Base, remember that a military installation is not like any other place in the world. Visitors should be familiar with the base's security protocols, dress accordingly, and respect that they are stepping onto a military installation. It is also advisable to be prepared by scheduling any transport or access requirements with base visitor services in advance.