Meet the B-21 Raider
Air Force Unveils Name of B-21 Bomber at AFA Conference
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James unveiled the name of the B-21 bomber today. The B-21 Raider represents the historic role it will play for the U.S. Air Force and national security for the next 50 years. Assisting Secretary James on stage to announce the name was one of the original Doolittle Raiders, and Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot, 101-year-old Air Force Lt. Col. (ret.) Richard Cole.
The active duty Airmen who submitted the winning name are Lt. Col. Jaime Hernandez and Tech. Sgt. Derek White. Tech. Sgt. White was also present during the naming ceremony.
Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the B-21 Raider, is leading a world-class industry team to design, build and deliver an advanced long-range strike system capable of reaching any target worldwide.
“The B-21’s name ‘Raider’ embodies the legacy and power projection of the Air Force’s long range strike capability. We are proud to partner with the Air Force to deliver a system that is so vital to our national security,” said Tom Vice, president, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “As the only company to ever design, build, deliver and modernize a long-range stealth system, we are committed to delivering the fleet of bombers for the 21st century.”
James made the announcement during her state of the Air Force address at the Air Force Association’s national conference.
To watch the video of the announcement, click here.