MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The first B-52H Stratofortress reaches retirement after more than 45 years of dedicated service to the United States July 24 here on its final flight to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. "It is a truly sad time when we decommission a plane," said Lt. Col. Bill Stahl, 5th Maintenance Group deputy commander. "But, the aircraft has served her country well." The B-52H with tail number LA1023 was built in 1961 and assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., but was here due to parking shortages at Barksdale AFB. It is the first of 18 B-52Hs selected by Air Combat Command to retire. Every two weeks a B-52H will be retired, alternating between here and the 2nd BW in an effort to maximize funding for the aging assets.
"It is easier and cheaper to modify and maintain 76 planes, than to keep all 94 up and running," said Master Sgt. Curtis Jensen, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent.