ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Community leaders serving as Honorary Commanders at Ellsworth Air Force Base recently stepped behind the scenes to experience the mission of the base firsthand, according to the Ellsworth Air Force Base Facebook page.

During the visit, the group received a base tour designed to deepen their understanding of Ellsworth’s operations and the role Airmen play both locally and globally.

The Honorary Commanders visited a static display of a B-1 bomber, offering a closer look at one of the aircraft central to Ellsworth’s long-range strike mission. The tour also included an Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstration, where attendees witnessed the precision and training required to safely handle dangerous materials.

Photos from the visit show community members alongside Airmen, observing controlled detonations from a distance and touring equipment used in day-to-day operations.

The Honorary Commander program connects local leaders with the base, helping build relationships and strengthen communication between military personnel and the surrounding community.

According to the Ellsworth Air Force Base Facebook page, the program plays a vital role in serving as a bridge between citizens and Airmen while fostering a greater understanding of the base’s mission.

For many who attended, the experience provided more than just a tour. It offered a closer connection to the work happening at Ellsworth and the people behind it, reinforcing the shared commitment to service both on and off the base.