Preferred B-52 squadron location announced Published Nov. 21, 2008 LANGLEY AFB, Va. -- Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of Air Combat Command, with concurrence from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recently announced that Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is the preferred location for a fourth B-52 squadron to meet Department of Defense requirements for a full rapid response commitment to the strategic mission. Although the North Dakota base was announced as the preferred location, a final decision for beddown of the fourth operational squadron will not be made until the command completes an environmental impact analysis, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The Environmental Impact Analysis Process, slated to begin in the near future, will analyze the potential environmental consequences of standing up an additional B-52 squadron at either Minot or Barksdale AFBs. In addition, a no-action alternative will be considered. Minot AFB's ability to best support U.S. Strategic Command was a key factor in its selection as the preferred location. Pending a favorable environmental impact analysis, the B-52 squadron would stand up at Minot AFB by the late 2009, early 2010 time frame. Today's announcement is part of an overall effort within the Air Force to "dedicate the full rapid-response commitment to the strategic mission on a continuous basis, rotating the commitment among B-52 squadrons," as recommended by the Defense Science Board Permanent Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Surety in February. For more information, call ACC Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.