Major Topping-Off Achievement Reached by Conti Federal at Ellsworth Air Force Base
Conti Federal Services, a nationally recognized design-build and construction firm specializing in complex military and secure infrastructure, has reached an important milestone at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The company recently celebrated the topping-off of two major facilities that will play a central role in supporting the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation B-21 Raider: the B-21 Fuels Systems Maintenance Dock and the B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar. These achievements mark significant progress in preparing Ellsworth AFB to serve as one of the first operational homes of the B-21 and to reinforce America’s long-range strike capabilities for decades to come.
The topping-off ceremony, deeply rooted in construction tradition, commemorates the placement of the final structural beam atop a building’s frame. While symbolic, it also signifies the transition from vertical construction to the final phases of a project. For the Conti Federal team, the event honored not only the physical progress of the structures but also the extensive collaboration, planning, and technical expertise that enabled these critical projects to advance on schedule. Approximately 60 individuals—including members of Conti Federal, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FSB-Pond, and numerous subcontractors—participated in the ceremony. Before the last beam was hoisted into place, attendees signed their names across its surface, creating a lasting record of the teamwork and dedication that brought the effort to this point.
Korey Mullins, Program Director at Conti Federal, emphasized the importance of reaching this stage in the construction process. “These milestones reflect the teamwork and commitment of everyone involved,” Mullins said. “By reaching this stage, we are one step closer to delivering mission-critical facilities that will directly support the operational readiness of the U.S. Air Force and ensure the long-term success of the B-21 program.” His remarks underscored the broader significance of these facilities—not merely as construction achievements but as essential components of national defense infrastructure.
The two structures serve distinct but complementary roles in maintaining the future B-21 fleet. The B-21 Fuel Systems Maintenance Dock is designed to provide specialized bays and technical spaces where Airmen can conduct precise, highly controlled work on the aircraft’s fuel systems. Such maintenance is vital to ensuring the Raider’s readiness and long-term performance. Meanwhile, the B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar will support more extensive inspections, lifecycle upgrades, and long-duration servicing tasks. Together, these facilities will allow for continuous, secure, and efficient maintenance operations, ensuring that the B-21 Raider remains fully capable as a core element of the United States’ strategic deterrence strategy.
Their completion will also enhance the daily workflows and operational capacity at Ellsworth AFB. With modern infrastructure tailored to the unique needs of the B-21, Airmen will be able to perform their duties more effectively and with greater confidence. The advanced design and construction features embedded in these projects reflect both the complexity of the aircraft and the Air Force’s long-term vision for the Raider fleet.
Patrick Burke, Construction Control Representative at the Ellsworth AFB Field Office, shared his appreciation for the event. “On August 27th I was honored to join Conti Federal for their Topping Out ceremony for Dock 80. Conti did a great job of organizing this event that has been a tradition since the early 1800s, which symbolizes the completion of a major project,” Burke noted. His remarks highlight the importance of ceremony and tradition in marking key construction achievements within the military community.
These two facilities represent the third and fourth B-21 bed-down projects that Conti Federal has been awarded at Ellsworth. As part of a multi-year modernization initiative, the Air Force is investing heavily in infrastructure that will support the long-term sustainment and deployment of the B-21 Raider. Conti Federal’s continued role in delivering these projects underscores the company’s technical capabilities and trusted relationship with federal partners, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Ellsworth Air Force Base itself has played a historic role in America’s defense posture since 1942. Home to the 28th Bomb Wing, the base has supported decades of strategic bomber operations. As it prepares to welcome the B-21 Raider—a highly advanced stealth bomber designed to meet evolving global threats—the base is once again positioned at the forefront of technological advancement and national security. The transition to B-21 operations will mark a new era for Ellsworth, one defined by enhanced strategic capabilities and modernized infrastructure.
Conti Federal’s work at the installation is part of a broader effort to ensure that the base is fully prepared for this transformation. From maintenance hangars and fuel facilities to supporting infrastructure, each project contributes to the seamless integration of the new aircraft into daily operations. The company’s leadership has expressed pride in supporting this historic transition and in helping the Air Force position the B-21 Raider for operational success from day one.
As the topping-off ceremonies conclude and the projects advance into final construction phases, Conti Federal remains focused on delivering world-class facilities that meet the Air Force’s rigorous standards. The achievement marks not just a construction milestone, but a meaningful step toward ensuring the United States maintains a strong, modern, and resilient long-range strike capability well into the future.
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