The USMC Mameluke Sword was officially adopted in 1825, but were not official uniform items between 1859–1875.
The BUFF has had a good run, and doesn't look like it's quite ready to give up the ghost. The C-130 was adopted in 1956, and I don't believe it's even close to the chopping block either.
Unless I missed it, the story forgot the roll of the B-52 in Vietnam.
How are all the airframes not fatiguing and falling apart? Not that many cycles per year?
Cool.
The awesomeness of the B-52 is unquestioned. A platform that is feared. Yet with proliferation of high tech weapons even among goat humpers, is it a wise investment to extend the aircraft’s longevity?
Radio. An Air Force major, a member of one of the alert crews would be jogging on a parallel taxiway, outside of the alert ramp. That would be to my right. Before I could put the radio back on my belt, I could hear the major's shoes against the pavement. In fifteen seconds I could see him.
I stepped only three or four paces sideways before I challenged him and went through the ID/challenge routine---required even though I was notified of the major's proximity. He knew and followed the routine precisely.
Then, saluting, I said, "Sorry to interrupt your jog, Sir." Expecting him to turn and jog away, he didn't, but stayed and chatted for about ten minutes, and seemed to show some appreciation for an eighteen year-old (I enlisted at 17) airman first class.
I asked why those B-52s looked so patched up. He told of one low altitude bombing run, followed by a nose up, full thrust escape, wherein, somewhere, the plane took on anti-aircraft fire. He gave personality to those B-52s when speaking of their capabilities, and "injuries."
At that point in the service I never thought of having such a friendly and instructive chat with a B-52 alert crew officer. It was really an encouraging moment for a kid.
What a great aircraft, too!
My Great-grandfather was born in the year 1868, when Custer made his raid on the Washita. He lived long enough to see the B-52 go into service. I still remember him well.
I was trained, in the USAF, to work on B-52s and KC-135s.
At church this past Sunday, I sat next to a friend who flew B-52 before Vietnam.
What about metal fatigue?
Let us celebrate by bombing Iran.
Great maintenance troops and depot maintenance help keep the BUFF flying. In earlier days, many were on ground alert and not accumulating a lot of hours.
(air)ship of Theseus
Movie recommendation:
A Gathering of Eagles (1963), with Rock Hudson and Rod Taylor.
It is about a B-52 squadron that failed an ORI.
Testament to great design and quality manufacturing. For comparison a little over 100 years ago state of the art aircraft were the Fokker DVII and the Sopwith Camel.
Buffs’ may not be your father’s plane but could be your grandfather’s.