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The B-52 Stratofortress, more popularly known as “BUFF”, is one of the oldest military aircraft still in service today, and is still one of the most impressive. The first Boeing B-52 became operational on June 29th, 1955 at Castle Air Force Base in California. Since then, B-52s have played a key role from the Cold War and the Vietnam War, to Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. It is a long-range heavy bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability while boasting an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles. The B-52 has made an indelible mark on American pop culture, being shown and referenced in Hollywood movies as well as having a band and hairstyle named after it. Today, there are plans in place to keep the aircraft (with design maintained and updated throughout the years) in service until the 2040s. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Kevin Long)