|  Sedalia is happy to invite Whiteman personnel to join our community. Our roots are deeply entwined with Whiteman Air Force Base. Located just west of Sedalia off Highway 50, the base dates back to 1942 when it was activated as the Sedalia Army Air Field. During World War II, the base served as a glider training facility, and many of its graduates participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Following the war, Sedalia Army Air Base was used by C-46 and C-47 crews until 1947, when it was placed on inactive status. In 1951, the base was activated by the Strategic Air Command, and became the home of the 340th Bombardment Wing. The wing was equipped with B-47 and KC-97 aircraft. On December 3, 1955, the Air Force honored one of Sedalia’s native sons. The Sedalia Air Force Base was renamed Whiteman Air Force Base. Lt. George A. Whiteman left behind his parents and nine siblings to live his dream of becoming a pilot. Stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked, he was the first air casualty of that attack. Upon learning of her son’s death, Mrs. Whiteman remarked that it could have happened “anywhere, anytime.” To further honor his memory, the 340th Bomb Wing adopted his mother’s words as their motto – Anywhere, Anytime. Whiteman Air Force Base was chosen for the 4th Minuteman ICBM Wing, and as a control base for a hardened and dispersed Minuteman unit. The 351st Strategic Missile Wing was activated at Whiteman in 1962 and replaced the B-47 Wing which was phased out during that year. The Minuteman II arrived at Whiteman in 1967 to replace the Minuteman I. Today, Whiteman Air Force Base continues to change to meet the needs of our nation. As the only home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, Whiteman has become one of the nation’s leading air bases in America’s defense. In the summer of 2000, Whiteman’s final B-2, the Spirit of America, was delivered to the base, bringing the total B-2s housed at Whiteman to 21. The location of the 509th Bomb Wing and the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman has created an economic boom in the surrounding areas, Sedalia included. Many personnel are choosing Sedalia as a place to live and do business. The Chamber’s active Military Affairs Committee works to support the Whiteman mission and base activities. Visit the Whiteman Air Force Base website at www.whiteman.af.mil. |
