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Conti Federal Celebrates Topping Off Ceremonies at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Support of the B-21 Raider

via Business Wire

Placement of the Final Steel Beams Marks Major Project Milestones

Conti Federal Services, a leading U.S. government construction and design-build firm specializing in military and secure construction, announced the successful topping off of two significant projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota: the B-21 Fuels Systems Maintenance Dock and the B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar. These milestones mark a significant step forward in preparing the installation to host the next generation B-21 Raider and strengthening the Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities.

The topping off ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the construction industry that celebrates placing the final structural beam at the highest point of a building. More than symbolic, it represents the transition from vertical construction to the final stages of completion. For this event, approximately 60 project team members—including representatives from Conti Federal, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FSB-Pond, and numerous trade partners—gathered to sign the last beam before it was lifted into place, recognizing the collective effort and dedication that brought the projects to this milestone.

“These milestones reflect the teamwork and commitment of everyone involved,” said Korey Mullins, Program Director at Conti Federal. “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.”

The B-21 Fuel Systems Maintenance Dock will provide specialized bays and support spaces to keep aircraft mission-ready, while the B-21 Phase Maintenance Hangar will allow for extensive servicing and upgrades, ensuring the Raider fleet remains fully capable for decades to come. Together, these facilities will enable efficient, secure, and continuous maintenance operations, allowing Airmen to focus on the mission with confidence.

“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 1800’s which symbolizes the completion of a major project,” said Patrick Burke CIV CENWO, Construction Control Representative at Ellsworth AFB Field Office.

These projects were Conti Federal’s third and fourth of six B-21 bed-down projects awarded at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Ellsworth Air Force Base, home to the 28th Bomb Wing, has been a cornerstone of U.S. airpower since 1942. Now preparing to host the next-generation B-21 Raider, the base will continue its long legacy of advancing national defense. Conti Federal is proud to support this historic transition through multiple projects that will ensure the B-21’s successful arrival and sustainment. For a full list of Conti Federal projects, visit www.contifederal.com/projects.

About Conti Federal Services

Conti Federal Services is a leading global construction and design-build company with roots dating back to 1906. The company has delivered some of the most demanding projects for the U.S. federal government, specializing in military and secure construction, critical infrastructure, environmental remediation, and disaster response and recovery. Conti Federal is dedicated to ensuring clients meet mission success while committing to its core values of safety, integrity, and compliance. To learn more, visit www.contifederal.com.

The topping off ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the construction industry that celebrates placing the final structural beam at the highest point of a building.

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