Dyess AFB 1985 - Today

Home to B-1 and C-130

The 96th received the first B-1B in June 1985, and in October 1986, the Lancer took over the nuclear alert duties for which it was produced. On Oct. 1, 1993, the 96th was forced to fold its flag, but that gave birth to the newest addition to West Texas' rich military history - the 7th Wing. The 7th moved from Carswell Air Force Base, Texas, and soon flourished at Dyess Air Force Base. The unit operated both the B-1B and C-130. Flying over 29,000 hours it's first year, the wing's diverse mission made it one of the most active units in the world. The airlifters navigated the globe with numerous airlift missions to Europe and the Persian Gulf region. The bomber crews and support people dedicated themselves to enhancing and innovating bomber operations for the 21st Century.

The 7th WG was redesignated the 7th Bomb Wing April 1, 1997. The wing relinquished operational control of the C-130's to Air Mobility Command, which reorganized the Hercules under 317th Airlift Group. Today, Dyess B-1Bs and the 7th BW make up a large portion of the U.S. Air Force bomber force. Dyess has played a vital role in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The B-1B continues to produce effective sorties at Dyess and the "Bastion in the Big Country" continues to flourish and remains one our nation's most revered bases. The men and women of Dyess serve our great nation and Abilene community proudly.