BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Air Force Global Strike Command is celebrating the enduring legacy of one of America’s most iconic strategic bombers — the B-52 Stratofortress, affectionately known as the BUFF.

Originally entering service in 1955, the BUFF marks its 70th anniversary this year, solidifying its place not only in aviation history but also in the future of the U.S. Air Force’s long-range strike capability.

While its first flight took place April 15, 1952, the AFGSC History Office notes that June 29, marked the 70th anniversary of the first operational Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52 Stratofortress, with delivery to the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.

Before departing the Boeing Moses Lake testing facility at Larson AFB, Wash., the first B-52 performed a seven-hour training mission prior to the Castle AFB delivery, initiating its operational use.

The first B-52 Stratofortress crew stands in front of the first operational B-52 on June 29, 1955. They are Col. W.R. Smith, commander, 4017th Combat Crew Training Squadron (CCTS); Gen. W.E. Eubank, 93rd Bomb Wing commander at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.; Maj. P.N. Howard, instructor pilot; Capt. M.M. Watkins, pilot; Maj. A.T. Brent, observer; Capt. E.A. Schickling, observer; Tech. Sgt. J.G. Rounds, electronic countermeasures operator; and Tech. Sgt. J.F. Thompson, gunner, all of CCTS. Photo courtesy of Air Force Global Strike Command Historian.

Although AFGSC had not yet been established in 1955, the foundational concepts behind today’s command — strategic deterrence, long-range strike and bomber readiness — were born during this formative era. The B-52’s assignment to SAC laid the groundwork for the bomber force AFGSC continues to refine and lead.

For seven decades, the B-52 has stood as a symbol of American airpower. With its unmistakable silhouette and dual-capable nature, the Stratofortress continues to serve as a visible and credible strategic deterrent for the United States and its allies.

The final B-52H model entered service in May 1961 and is still active to this day. The longevity of the B-52 is a testament to both the airframe’s robust original design and the Air Force’s continued investment in modernization as airmen from both active-duty and reserve components continue to train, deploy and deter with the aircraft.

“Since its creation, the B-52 has anchored strategic deterrence for the nation,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Eighth Air Force and Joint Global Strike Operations Center commander. “As we celebrate 70 years of the BUFF, we look to the next model to serve as the physical embodiment of the idea of peace through strength and carry us into the 2050s.”

Known as the “J-model,” the next iteration of the B-52 will see multiple upgrades, including new engines, radar systems and weapons upgrades.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off in support of Bomber Task Force Europe at Moron Air Base, Spain, on May 27. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Wilson.

The Commercial Engine Replacement Program will replace the existing B-52 engines (TF33) with new commercial engines (Rolls Royce F130). The Radar Modernization Program will improve the reliability of radar used for navigation, weather avoidance and air refueling.

The new long-range standoff (LRSO) missile will replace the aging air-launched cruise missile and will provide credible air-delivered nuclear deterrent in the modern, complex world.

These efforts will mark the transition from B-52H to B-52J and will sustain the fleet’s viability for more years to come.

As the BUFF enters its eighth decade of service, it does so not as a relic, but as a reimagined warfighter.

B-52s at Minot AFB since 1961

Minot Air Force Base and Barksdale AFB in Louisiana are the only two bases with B-52s.

The first two B-52H Stratofortresses (s/ns 60-025 and 60-027) arrived at Minot AFB on July 16, 1961.

According to 4136th Strategic Wing histories, s/n 60/027 was named “Peace Persuader” and designated as the first B-52 to be assigned to Minot AFB.

An open house, “Peace Persuader Day,” was held at the base on the day the first two B-52s arrived and “Peace Persuader” was christened that day.

The aircrews flew the planes from the factory at Wichita, Kansas, and one of the planes was a backup plane for “Peace Persuader” in case it couldn’t get to Minot AFB or land, Brad Foote and Bill Sims, aircrew members of one of the planes, said in an interview for an article in The Minot Daily News in July 2018.

Maj. Clyde Evely was the commander of the crew flying the first B-52 to Minot AFB and North Dakota Gov. William L. Guy and Air Force Col. Harold Radetsky, then commander of the 4136th Strategic Wing (now the 5th Bomb Wing) at Minot AFB, accompanied Evely and the aircrew on the last leg of the flight from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Minot AFB.

Radetsky told The Minot Daily News in 1961 that the B-52 was the “most devastating offensive weapon in our country’s arsenal.”

Today, the 23rd Bomb Squadron and the 69th Bomb Squadron of the 5th Bomb Wing operate the B-52s.

— Eloise Ogden