B-52 supports military funeral at Arlington Published March 22, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 23rd Bomb Squadron here performed a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia March 21. The B-52H Stratofortress flyover was to support the military funeral of retired General Louis Seith, former chief of staff for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Among his many titles and accomplishments, the general was a command pilot with more than 4,300 flying hours, including 261 combat hours during World War II. "It was a pretty cool thing to do for a guy who flew thousands of hours," said Capt. Matthew Lewis, who piloted the B-52 for the flyover. "We've done these flyovers before, but each one is very special." The mission took the crew through nine states, from North Dakota to Virginia, before the 45-minute finale over Arlington. According to Captain Lewis, a lot of effort went into this mission to ensure its success. "We had to be here at 2 a.m., and the mission lasted almost eight hours, but just knowing we might have done something to help the family and friends on the ground makes it all worthwhile." Likewise, 1st Lt. Ryan Hubbard, who navigated the mission, was happy to be part of it. "It felt pretty good to be doing something like this for a retired bomber," he said. "We had a bit of weather on the way over, but, overall, it was a good trip and we're proud to have been able to do this." Additionally, Captain Lewis was impressed with the level of commitment the Air Force shows its veterans. "He retired 30 years ago, but it just goes to show you that the Air Force doesn't forget the brave men and women who served before us. That says a lot."