First H-Series BUFF gets retired

After more than 45 years of service, the US Air Force has retired its first B-52H on July 24 seen here departing for Tinker AFB on its final flight. Built in 1961, this BUFF, tail number LA1023, served with the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB but was temporarily residing at Minot AFB due to parking limitations at Barksdale. This is the first of 18 retirements set to take place every two weeks and alternating between wings at Barksdale and Minot, the only remaining B-52 bases. The move will reduce the Air Force's fleet of Stratofortesses from 94 to 76 in an attempt to shave off maintenance and operational expenses. "It is easier and cheaper to modify and maintain 76 planes, than to keep all 94 up and running," said Master Sgt. Curtis Jensen, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent. The 18 chosen to head for the retirement home are considered the "least airworthy" of the fleet. Instead of heading for the boneyard at AMARC, adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, the retired B-52s will be preserved in an airworthy status within an empty hangar at Tinker. I sure hope they have a hangar big enough for 18 B-52s. The H-series were the last B-52s to roll off the production line and the only series remaining in service today. NGB, anyone?

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Cassandra Jones)
(Air Force Link)

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BUFF goes down off Guam

Most of you have already heard about this as it is a big story, but I'm a little late to get it up here. An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed about 30 miles off the coast of Guam this morning enroute to conduct a flyover at a parade ceremony. The AP is reporting that two crewmembers have been found, however their condition has not yet been released. No word as to whether or not they were the only crewmembers on board as the BUFF typically carries a crew of six. There is also no word on what caused the crash of this Barksdale AFB-based B-52 although the Air Force has already begun an investigation. This is the first loss of a B-52 since 1994 at Fairchild AFB, which coincidentally took place during a non-combat flight at an air show. Of course, this comes in the same year as another high profile bomber crash at Guam when a B-2 went down in February. We'll try to keep you posted as things develop with this.

UPDATE: 05:24Z 7.24.08

Unfortunately, the Air Force announced that none of the 6 crewmembers on board survived the crash. They have now shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation.

(Danger Room)

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