Whiteman Air Force Base

Whiteman Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in Johnson County near Knob Noster. The base is named after the late Brigadier General George A. Whiteman. Whiteman a Missouri native and World War II veteran who grew up near Sedalia and attended Smith Cotton High School. He also attended Missouri S&T, which was known as the Rolla School of Mines, before he joined the service in 1939.

Whiteman AFB is known for being the home of the 509th Bomb Wing, which operates and maintains the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber aircraft. The B-2 Spirit is a strategic bomber capable of delivering conventional and nuclear munitions. The 509th Bomb Wing is the only unit in the U.S. Air Force that operates the B-2.

In addition to the 509th Bomb Wing, the base also hosts the 131st Bomb Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, which provides support to the 509th Bomb Wing in its operations. The base has a significant role in the nation’s strategic deterrence and global strike capabilities.

Whiteman Air Force Base covers an area of approximately 5,800 acres and has a population of military personnel, civilian employees, and their families. It provides various facilities and services for its personnel, including housing, medical care, education, recreation, and support services.

The base plays a vital role in defending the United States and supporting military operations worldwide through its strategic bomber operations and other missions.