"This is great news for not only Ellsworth Air Force Base but also the Rapid City area and all of South Dakota. This will help ensure the future of Ellsworth, and it also means more jobs and a welcome economic boost to the region. The hard work and cooperation necessary to achieve this new mission were well worth the effort. Ellsworth Air Force Base has contributed greatly to our national defense. It's good to know that the Air Force has this level of confidence in the men and women who serve at this base. Congratulations to all of those involved in this very important effort.