Aircraft
B-52H ‘Buffs’ Demonstrate Global Reach
The aging warriors continue to span the globe on “show of force” missions that test the B-52H bomber’s ability to reach any part of the planet.
A B-52H approaches a tanker during a long-range mission in support of Exercise Eager Lion. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
A B-52H approaches a tanker during a long-range mission in support of Exercise Eager Lion. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force has been demonstrating the range and reach of its force of aging Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bombers in a series of exercises. On September 5, a B-52  from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, flew a nonstop mission of more than 30 hours as part of a "show of force" during the combined arms live-fire Exercise Eager Lion 19. The aircraft participated in a flyover at the end of the exercise, dispensing infrared decoy flares as it flew past near Amman, Jordan.