Rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – A B-52H Stratofortress takes off as part of a rapid launch during an annual exercise here June 11. As a finale for the exercise, several B-52s took off in rapid succession, signaling the end of the training mission. The exercise provides training opportunities for forces to deter, and if necessary defeat, a military attack against the United States. The rapid launch included 17 B-52s from both Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – A B-52H Stratofortress takes off as part of a rapid launch during an annual exercise here June 11. As a finale for the exercise, several B-52s took off in rapid succession, signaling the end of the training mission. The exercise provides training opportunities for forces to deter, and if necessary defeat, a military attack against the United States. The rapid launch included 17 B-52s from both Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Lopez)

Rapid Launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- B-52H Stratofortresses waits to enter the runway during a rapid launch that concluded the exercise Constant Vigilance, here June 11. The rapid launch helps pilots and crew members train for a real life instance in which they could be notified to deliver their support at their request of combatant commanders as quickly as possible. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford)

Rapid Launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Jessica Presley and her son Bryant sit and anticipate the launch of 17 B-52H Stratofortresses at the conclusion of an exercise here June 11. Jessica is the wife of Staff Sgt. Chad Presley who is a B-52 crew chief. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford)

Rapid launch

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Family and friends of B-52H Stratofortress pilots and crew members gather at an aircraft hanger to witness the rapid launch of 17 B-52s at the conclusion of an exercise here June 11. The take-off happens in rapid succession in order to simulate responding to a request for air support by combatant commanders. (U.S Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Stephanie Ashley)

Rapid Launch Exercise

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Five B-52H Stratofortresses taxi down the runway during a 17-ship rapid launch exercise here June 11. Exercises like these are integral to maintaining mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brittany Y. Auld)

Maintaining the Huey's

MINOT AIRFORCE BASE, N.D. - - Civ. Shannon Reynolds, 54th Helicopter Squadron aircraft mechanic, performs post flight procedures on a UH-1N Huey, here April 24. Daily inspections on the helicopters are performed before and after each flight to maintain missile security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Desiree W. Esposito)

Maintaining the Huey's

MINOT AIRFORCE BASE, N.D. - - Civ. Shannon Reynolds, 54th Helicopter Squadron aircraft mechanic, performs post flight procedures on a UH-1N Huey, here April 24. Daily inspections on the helicopters are performed before and after each flight to maintain missile security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Desiree W. Esposito)

BUFF goes 50 years strong at Minot

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Members of Team Minot recreate a historic photograph of the arrival of the first B-52H Stratofortress here Aug. 19. The B-52, named the “Peace Persuader,” had nostalgic nose art painted on the airframe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its arrival to Minot AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz)

BUFF goes 50 years strong at Minot

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- 1st Lt. Daniel Welch, 23rd Bomb Squadron copilot, speaks to Airmen during the 50th anniversary of the B-52H Stratofortess’s arrival to Minot here Aug. 19. The B-52, named the “Peace Persuader,” had nostalgic nose art painted on the airframe to commemorate the history of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz)

5th BW launches back-to-back deployment

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A B-52H Stratofortress takes off here in support of the 5th Bomb Wing's support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence at Andersen AFB, Guam. This will be the first time the 69th Bomb Squadron has deployed since standing up at Minot and the first time Minot has fulfilled a back-to-back deployment since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard)

Safe, secure, effective confirmed

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Members of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron load team assist in loading cargo onto a C-130J Hercules here Nov. 8. AFGSC’s 5th Bomb Wing received a satisfactory rating after successfully completing its nuclear operational readiness inspection here Nov. 10. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz)