Vice President Dick Cheney paid a visit to Fairchild AFB, Wash., on Monday, giving a pep talk to some 600 people gathered at the home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. “The President and I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do for the United States,” said Cheney. He also presided over the re-enlistment of 18 airmen, soldiers, and marines. Fairchild is home to 50 active duty and eight Air National Guard KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.