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U.S. flew B-52 bombers off the coast of Venezuela
My father was stationed at Castle Air Force Base from the late 1950s till mid 1970s. During the Cuban Missile Crisis they were keeping the B-52s and KC-135s (refueling planes) either in the air or ready to go at a moments notice. Our house was less than a mile from the base and all day and all night you could hear the jet engines running.
I'm sure various aspects of these old planes have been updated, but I'm still amazed that the B-52 is still in service.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress first entered service with the U.S. Air Force in February 1955. The first operational model, a B-52B, was delivered to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base on June 29, 1955.
Design and development: The design phase began in the late 1940s, with Boeing winning the contract in 1946.
First flight: The prototype YB-52 made its maiden flight on April 15, 1952.
Entry into service: The first B-52s became operational in 1955. It continues to be a staple of the U.S. bomber fleet and is expected to remain in service until at least the 2050s.
A 100 year life span for a bomber!
