MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from here during a eight-ship rapid-launch generation exercise on Aug. 9. Generation exercises test the base's ability to perform its mission. The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. It is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Boitz)