Incredible Images Of The B-52 Stratofortress

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) takes off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 30, 2016, during exercise Global Thunder 17. AFGSC supports U.S. Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) global strike and nuclear deterrence missions by providing strategic assets, including bombers like the B-52 and B-2, to ensure a safe, secure, effective and ready deterrent force. Global Thunder is based on a notional scenario designed to exercise the ability of U.S. Strategic Command and its component forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat, a military attack against the United States and its allies and employ forces as directed by the President and the Secretary of Defense.

A U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52 Stratofortress assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) takes off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Members of the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct a post-flight inspection on a B-52 Stratofortress after its arrival June 2, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The U.S. Pacific Command has maintained a rotational strategic bomber presence in the region for more than a decade. These aircraft and the men and women who fly and support them provide a significant capability that enables U.S. readiness and commitment to deterrence, provides assurances to allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Members of the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct a post-flight inspection on a B-52 Stratofortress after its arrival.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber sits on the flightline April 14, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The strategic global strike capability of B-52’s deters potential adversaries and provides reassurance to allies and partners that the U.S. is capable to defend its national security interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber sits on the flightline, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrives at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate Da’esh and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community, and as needed in the region. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrives at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., prepares to touchdown at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 2, 2016. The aircraft is deployed in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence operations.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., prepares to touchdown at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., launches July 2, 2013, from the Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flightline.

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., launches from the Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flightline.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D. receives fuel from a 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. during Polar Roar, a strategic deterrence exercise, in the skies near the North Pole, July 31. The rapid global mobility and air refueling capabilities of Air Mobility Command and the 305th Air Mobility Wing, ensured the B-52’s were able to complete their mission.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D. receives fuel from a 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. during Polar Roar, a strategic deterrence exercise, in the skies near the North Pole.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber taxis on the runway April 14, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The U.S. military has maintained a deployed strategic bomber presence in the Pacific since March 2004, which has contributed significantly to regional security and stability.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber taxis on the runway.

A B-52H Stratofortress lands at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Nov. 2, 2016. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber, that has been the backbone of the manned strategic bomber force for more than 40 years.

A B-52H Stratofortress lands at Minot Air Force Base. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, touches down at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons. The aircraft and its crew have deployed in support Operation Inherent Resolve. This deployment is the first basing of the B-52s in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in 26 years.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, touches down at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate Da’esh and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community, and as needed in the region. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brent Weisner, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander waves the U.S. flag and gives a thumbs-up prior to takeoff at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 3, 2017. The gestures by Weisner signified the historic nature of the flight which gave Lt. Col. Steve Smith, 93rd BS flight instructor, more than 10,000 flight hours in the B-52 Stratofortress. Smith has more hours in the B-52 than any other current member of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brent Weisner, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander waves the U.S. flag and gives a thumbs-up prior to takeoff at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after a short deployment Dec. 17, 2016. This short-term deployment helped to ensure the bomber crews maintain a high state of readiness and crew proficiency, and provided opportunities to integrate capabilities with regional partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after a short deployment. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for an integrated bomber operation Aug.17, 2016. This mission marks the first time in history that all three of Air Force Global Strike Command's strategic bomber aircraft are simultaneously conducting integrated operations in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. As of Aug. 15, the B-1 Lancer will be temporarily deployed to Guam in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence mission.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for an integrated bomber operation.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, refuels a B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in support of Operation Polar Roar Aug. 1, 2016, over Scotland. Polar Roar is a U.S. Strategic Command operation designed to strengthen bomber crews’ interoperability and demonstrate ability for the U.S. bomber force to provide flexible and vigilant long-range global-strike capability.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, refuels a B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in support of Operation Polar Roar.

The sun rises behind a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 26, 2017. Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron work around the clock in all weather conditions to provide B-52 firepower on demand.

The sun rises behind a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

A B-52H Stratofortress soars above the clouds over North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. During the mission, the crew ran simulated close air support scenarios, helping them better communicate and work together as a team.

A B-52H Stratofortress soars above the clouds over North Dakota. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, pilots a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds of North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Weathers and Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd BS aircraft commander, relied on their offensive and defensive team to successfully complete their training mission.

Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, pilots a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds of North Dakota.

A B-52 Stratofortress deploys a drag chute during landing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 24, 2017. The drag parachute is used to decelerate the B-52 Stratofortress during landing, reducing wear and tear to ceramic pads used by the aircraft, increasing its life span.

A B-52 Stratofortress deploys a drag chute during landing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The drag parachute is used to decelerate the B-52 Stratofortress during landing, reducing wear and tear to ceramic pads used by the aircraft, increasing its life span.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrive at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate Da’esh and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community, and as needed in the region. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, arrive at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to B-52H Stratofortresses (AFGSC) prepare to take off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 30, 2016, during exercise Global Thunder 17. AFGSC supports U.S. Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) global strike and nuclear deterrence missions by providing strategic assets, including bombers like the B-52 and B-2, to ensure a safe, secure, effective and ready deterrent force. Global Thunder is based on a notional scenario designed to exercise the ability of U.S. Strategic Command and its component forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat, a military attack against the United States and its allies and employ forces as directed by the President and the Secretary of Defense.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses assigned to B-52H Stratofortresses (AFGSC) prepare to take off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. during exercise Global Thunder 17. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Airman 1st Class Samantha Coleman, 5th Aircraft Maintenance electronic countermeasures specialist, de-ices a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 11, 2017. A mixture of heated fluid and hot water is sprayed on the bombers prior to launching in cold weather conditions. 5th AMXS Airmen work in all weather conditions to provide B-52 global strike capabilities.

Airman 1st Class Samantha Coleman, 5th Aircraft Maintenance electronic countermeasures specialist, deices a B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

A B-52H Stratofortress taxis down the runway during Prairie Vigilance 16-1 at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 16, 2016. As one leg of U.S. Strategic Command’s nuclear triad, Air Force Global Strike Command’s B-52s at Minot, play an integral role in nation's strategic deterrence.

A B-52H Stratofortress taxis down the runway during Prairie Vigilance 16-1 at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing work together on the flightline to launch aircraft at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Dec. 21, 2015. Bomber Airmen work around the clock in all weather conditions in order to provide B-52H Stratofortress firepower on demand.

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing work together on the flightline to launch aircraft at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) takes off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 30, 2016, during exercise Global Thunder 17. AFGSC supports U.S. Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) global strike and nuclear deterrence missions by providing strategic assets, including bombers like the B-52 and B-2, to ensure a safe, secure, effective and ready deterrent force. Global Thunder is an annual training event that assesses command and control functionality in all USSTRATCOM mission areas and affords component commands a venue to evaluate their joint operational readiness.

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) takes off from the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

"Ghost Rider," a B-52 Stratofortress that was pulled from the National Level Reservoir of Air and Space Capability at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., to replace another damaged B-52, arrived at Tinker Air Force Base in December 2015. The historic aircraft spent the last 19 months undergoing extensive repairs in programmed depot maintenance here. The work was completed 100 days ahead of schedule.

“Ghost Rider,” a B-52 Stratofortress that was pulled from the National Level Reservoir of Air and Space Capability to replace another damaged B-52, arrives at Tinker Air Force Base.

Airman 1st Class C.J. Rastetter, 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-52 Stratofortress March 21, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The U.S. conducts continuous bomber presence operations as part of a routine, forward deployed, global strike capability supporting regional security and our allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Airman 1st Class C.J. Rastetter, 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-52 Stratofortress.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, taxis down the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flightline in preparation for a training sortie during Red Flag 16-3, July 19, 2016. While participating in Red Flag, the B-52’s primary role is air support, where they are tasked with striking air tasking order assigned targets.

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, taxis down the Nellis Air Force Base flightline in preparation for a training sortie during Red Flag 16-3.

A B-52H Stratofortress and munitions are displayed in front of the Base Operations building at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 21, 2015. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.

A B-52H Stratofortress and munitions are displayed in front of the Base Operations building at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. These B-52 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing work together on the flightline to launch aircraft at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Dec. 21, 2015. Bomber Airmen work around the clock in all weather conditions in order to provide B-52H Stratofortress firepower on demand.

Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing work together on the flightline to launch aircraft at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. You might also like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. See all military aircraft images.