Warbirds soar above the clouds

A B-52H Stratofortress banks to the right, in airspace above North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. During the mission, the crew ran simulated close air support scenarios, helping them better communicate and work together as a team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, pilots a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds in North Dakota airspace, Jan. 31, 2017. Weathers and Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd BS aircraft commander, relied on their offensive and defensive team to successfully complete their training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, changes radio frequency inside a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds in North Dakota airspace, Jan. 31, 2017. Weathers and Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd BS aircraft commander, worked with their offensive and defensive team to successfully complete a training mission in preparation to support Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

1st Lt. Alex Johnson, 23rd Bomb Squadron weapons system officer, analyses a multi-function color display inside a B-52H Stratofortress above North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Johnson along with another weapons system officer, sit in the offense compartment of the aircraft, controlling the B-52’s weapons capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Engine throttles sit between the aircraft commanders’ seats inside a B-52H Stratofortress above North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. The throttles control eight Pratt & Whitney engines, each producing 17,000 lbs. of thrust. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, pilots a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds of North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Gabriel and Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd BS aircraft commander, relied on their offensive and defensive team to successfully complete their training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

A 5th Bomb Wing patch ornaments the shoulder of Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, Jan. 31, 2017. The patch reads, “Kiai O Ka Lewa,” translating to, “Guardians of the Upper Realm.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

A B-52H Stratofortress soars above the clouds over North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. During the mission, the crew ran simulated close air support scenarios, helping them better communicate and work together as a team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

1st Lt Nathan Fisher, 23rd Bomb Squadron weapons system officer, analyses an offensive avionics system inside a B-52H Stratofortress above North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Fisher along with another weapons system officer, sit in the offense compartment of the aircraft, controlling the B-52’s weapons capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)

Capt. Dane Weathers, 23rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, pilots a B-52H Stratofortress above the clouds of North Dakota, Jan. 31, 2017. Weathers and Capt. Jonathan Gabriel, 23rd BS aircraft commander, relied on their offensive and defensive team to successfully complete their training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman J.T. Armstrong)