BOX ELDER, S.D. – July 25, 2025 – Ellsworth Air Force Base today marked a significant moment in its history with a formal Change of Command Ceremony for the 28th Bomb Wing. The event, held at Dock 33 at 9:28 a.m. MT, saw a transition of leadership for one of the U.S. Air Force’s most critical strategic bomber units. Among the distinguished attendees was U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), underscoring the importance of Ellsworth Air Force Base to both national security and the state of South Dakota.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored military tradition, serving as a formal and dignified representation of the transfer of authority and responsibility from an outgoing commander to an incoming one. It allows subordinates to witness this pivotal moment and understand the continuity of leadership within their unit.
Colonel Erick D. Lord officially assumed command of the 28th Bomb Wing, taking the reins from the outgoing commander, Colonel Derek Oakley, who is retiring after a dedicated career. Colonel Lord brings extensive experience with the B-1B Lancer bomber, including a previous assignment at Ellsworth as a flight commander. Most recently, he served as Deputy Commander at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, home to a B-52 bomber wing.
Colonel Lord’s assumption of command comes at a crucial juncture for Ellsworth Air Force Base. The base is slated to be the first operational location for the next-generation B-21 stealth bomber in the coming years, a development that will significantly shape its future mission. Furthermore, the 28th Bomb Wing recently faced scrutiny following a B-1B bomber crash last year, with investigators pointing to an “undisciplined organizational culture” as a contributing factor. Colonel Lord, as the author of the July 2024 accident investigation board report, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and steer the wing toward an enhanced culture of safety and excellence. His prior insights into the issues at hand highlight his commitment to fostering a robust and disciplined environment for the 28th Bomb Wing.
The 28th Bomb Wing, assigned to the 8th Air Force under Air Force Global Strike Command, holds the vital mission of “putting bombs on target” and guaranteeing combat airpower for the nation “anytime, anywhere.” The wing operates the B-1B Lancer, a long-range, multi-role bomber, and has also been involved in MQ-9 Reaper drone operations. Its responsibilities encompass everything from sustaining personnel and maintaining equipment to generating aircraft and conducting combat missions in support of global contingencies.
Senator John Thune’s presence at the ceremony underscores the strong relationship between Ellsworth Air Force Base and the state of South Dakota. As a vocal advocate for the base, Senator Thune has historically played a significant role in securing critical missions and resources for Ellsworth, including helping to bring in the Air Force Financial Services Center in 2006 and fighting for the MQ-9 Reaper mission in 2010. His attendance today highlights the continued commitment from state leadership to the success and future of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Airmen and their families who serve there.
Today’s ceremony not only marks a change in leadership but also signals a renewed focus on the 28th Bomb Wing’s vital role in national defense as it navigates future challenges and prepares for the arrival of the B-21 bomber.
