Dyess Airforce Base, Texas

#B1B_Lancer

#DyessAirforceBase

Here’s an overview of Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), located near Abilene, Texas:

Key Facts & Units

• Location & Size

Situated ~11 km southwest of Abilene, covering over 6,100 acres with more than 200 facilities and around 988 housing units. 

• Host Units

• 7th Bomb Wing (Global Strike Command, Eighth Air Force): Operates 36 B‑1B Lancer strategic bombers via 9th and 28th Bomb Squadrons—the latter also serves as the B‑1B schoolhouse. 

• 317th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force): Flies C‑130J Super Hercules, making it the largest active-duty C‑130J unit worldwide. 

• Tenant Units

Include the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 222, among others. 

History & Background

• Origins:

Founded in 1942 as Tye Army Air Field, renamed Abilene Army Airbase in 1943, and became Dyess AFB in 1956 in honor of Lt Col William Dyess, a Bataan Death March survivor. 

• Cold War & Beyond:

Hosted Atlas missile silos in the late 1950s–60s, and later shifted toward bomber and transport roles.  

Capabilities & Operations

• Bomber Mission:

The 7th Bomb Wing specializes in global conventional bombing via the B‑1B, embodying the motto Mors ab alto (“Death from above”). 

• Airlift & Mobility:

The 317th supports worldwide tactical airlift and has maintained continuous deployment since 2003. 

Environmental & Community Impact

• Green Base:

Since 2003, Dyess has been powered entirely by renewable energy—initially wind, now supplemented with biomass and other sources—making it one of the USAF’s “greenest” bases. 

• Local Economy:

Employs over 5,000 personnel, and in 2023 contributed around $3.6 billion in total economic output to the Texas economy. 

Recent Developments

• Cold Spray Repair Center:

Opened March 2024—a cutting-edge facility enabling rapid, cost-effective aircraft repairs. 

• STARDOC Program:

Launched by the 7th Medical Group to provide deployable internet connectivity for medics in remote locations. 

• Ongoing Missions:

Includes B‑1B training and Bomber Task Force deployments, upgrades for C‑130 communications, and logistical exercises. 

Community Perspective

From Reddit discussions, many say:

“It’s like 2 hrs from Dallas with relatively low crime.”

“For someone with a family, it’s pretty decent. Good schools…”

Others mention it can feel conservative and hot during summer months. 

Summary

Dyess AFB is a strategic powerhouse of the USAF, housing both B‑1B bombers and C‑130J transports. It’s historically significant, environmentally progressive, economically impactful, and technologically innovative.

#三沢AirBase

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