Airman 1st Class Michael Smith marshals a B-52H Stratofortress for take-off during RED FLAG-Alaska 11-3 August 15, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The work completed by crew chiefs provide mission capable aircraft for pilots so they can provide air support, serving as a vital role in the overall RED FLAG-Alaska mission. Airman Smith is a crew chief assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force base, North Dakota. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)
Three B-52H Stratofortress sit on the runway as an E-3 Sentry launches during RED FLAG-Alaska 11-3 August 15, 2011, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A allows participating units to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures as well as improve interoperability. The B-52s are assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The E-3 Sentry is assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)