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Plans solidify for new B-52 squadron at Minot

The Air Force confirmed it wants to locate its fifth B-52H Stratofortress squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Air Combat Command officials announced Friday.

The target date for standing up the unit is late 2009 or early 2010.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation, briefed on the plan prior to Friday’s announcement, said the squadron would have 10 planes, raising the number of combat-ready B-52Hs at Minot to 22.

Before the new Minot squadron stands up, the plan to add the squadron and increase flights from the base must go through the environmental assessment process, an ACC statement said. The review will also look at the impact of opening the squadron at Barksdale instead of Minot even though that option is not favored by ACC.

Earlier this year, the Air Force decided to create a new B-52H squadron to help handle increased nuclear training requirements for B-52H air and ground crews. The decision was part of the new emphasis on nuclear readiness.

Minot’s 5th Bomb Wing is already home to one B-52 squadron. The other B-52H squadrons, including training and Reserve squadrons, are at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.