BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command is celebrating the enduring legacy of one of America’s most iconic strategic bombers -- the B-52 Stratofortress, affectionately known as the BUFF.
Originally entering service in 1955, the BUFF marks its 70th anniversary this year, solidifying its place not only in aviation history but also in the future of the U.S. Air Force’s long-range strike capability.
While its first flight took place April 15, 1952, the AFGSC History Office notes that June 29, 2025, marks the 70th anniversary of the first operational Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52 Stratofortress, with delivery to the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base, Calif.
Before departing the Boeing Moses Lake testing facility at Larson AFB, Wash., the first B-52 performed a seven-hour training mission prior to the Castle AFB delivery, initiating its operational use.
Although AFGSC had not yet been established in 1955, the foundational concepts behind today’s command -- strategic deterrence, long-range strike and bomber readiness -- were born during this formative era. The B-52’s assignment to SAC laid the groundwork for the bomber force AFGSC continues to refine and lead.
For seven decades, the B-52 has stood as a symbol of American airpower. With its unmistakable silhouette and dual-capable nature, the Stratofortress continues to serve as a visible and credible strategic deterrent for the United States and its allies.
The final B-52H model entered service in May 1961 and is still active to this day. The longevity of the B-52 is a testament to both the airframe’s robust original design and the Air Force’s continued investment in modernization as Airmen from both active-duty and reserve components continue to train, deploy and deter with the aircraft.
“Since its creation, the B-52 has anchored strategic deterrence for the nation,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Eighth Air Force and Joint Global Strike Operations Center commander. “As we celebrate 70 years of the BUFF, we look to the next model to serve as the physical embodiment of the idea of peace through strength and carry us into the 2050s.”
Known as the “J-model,” the next iteration of the B-52 will see multiple upgrades, including new engines, radar systems and weapons upgrades.
The Commercial Engine Replacement Program will replace the existing B-52 engines (TF33) with new commercial engines (Rolls Royce F130). The Radar Modernization Program will improve the reliability of radar used for navigation, weather avoidance and air refueling.
The new long-range standoff (LRSO) missile will replace the aging air-launched cruise missile and will provide credible air-delivered nuclear deterrent in the modern, complex world.
These efforts will mark the transition from B-52H to B-52J and will sustain the fleet’s viability for more years to come.
As the BUFF enters its eighth decade of service, it does so not as a relic, but as a reimagined warfighter. From its first flight in 1952 to its operational debut in 1955 and its continued service in today’s skies, the B-52 Stratofortress proves that some legends never fade -- they just get stronger with time.