Heck, we have pilots whose GRANDFATHERS flew the exact same B52 they are flying.
The Soviets started flying them in the early 50's. Pretty much the same freshness date as our B-52s.
If they work...
Another new strategic bomber will come along, and serve for a generation, and then go to the boneyard.
And then, the pilots who flew them there will catch a ride home on a magnificent B-52.