70 Years of Fortresses'

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy." - George Washington

"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war." -John F Kennedy

On May 13th, 2006 over Barksdale AFB a pair of aircraft flew in formation during the 2006 airshow. I have always had a fondness for the B-17 Flying Fortress and my 6 years as a crewmember on the B-52G/H Stratofortress have endeared it to me.

Just to keep things in perspective, the B-52 first flew in 1952 and entered service in 1954. It is still the backbone of the United States bomber fleet. If the B-17 had seen the same service life that the B-52 has it would have still been flying combat missions in 1985!

Finally a little humor.

Question - B-1, B-2 & B-52.... what do you have?

Answer - Two bingo numbers and a strategic bomber!