[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE B 52

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the men and women of our United States Air 
Force on the 60th anniversary of the B 52 Stratofortress strategic 
bomber.
  On April 15, 1952, 60 years ago, America's first B 52 lifted off on 
its maiden flight. This year also marks 50 years since the last B 52, 
tail number 61 040, rolled off the assembly line in Wichita, KS, and 
was delivered to Minot Air Force Base in the great state of North 
Dakota. Through its unwavering service during and after the Cold War, 
the B 52 has shown itself as a time-tested and proven solution for the 
long-range strike and nuclear deterrence missions and become an iconic 
symbol around the world of America's dedication to ``peace through 
strength.'' Half a century after this jet was developed and fielded to 
guarantee nuclear deterrence of the Soviet Union, it played a critical 
role in military operations after September 11. No other airframe in 
the history of the Nation has done more to keep this country strong and 
safe than the B 52.
  The Boeing Company originally built 744 B 52s. As the global 
environment evolved, many of these have since been retired. 
Nonetheless, 74 aircraft remain in the fleet--more than any other 
bomber. I sponsored legislation, later signed into law, which requires 
the B 52 fleet to be maintained at no less than 74 aircraft and 
preserves the fleet through 2018. With appropriate funding, we expect 
the remaining 74 B 52s to serve the Nation honorably until 2045.
  The fact that the B 52 is still serving the United States today is a 
testament to the innovation and dedication of the men and women all 
around this Nation who designed, built, maintained, supported and 
employed the B 52 for over 50 years. In fact, these aircraft have been 
so thoroughly and effectively upgraded and modernized that they are 
projected to continue to play a critical role defending our country for 
the foreseeable future and beyond.
  During this time of ever-tighter budgets, the B 52 is more important 
than ever, because it is the most cost effective bomber in our 
inventory. Or, as the military would say, the B 52 provides great 
``economy of force,'' which means the B 52 brings a tremendous amount 
of ``bang'' for the taxpayer's dollar. B 52 modernization must be a top 
priority to ensure that ``the best bomb truck for the buck'' and its 
airmen can continue to meet emerging strategic challenges now and well 
into the future.
  The longevity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability of the B 52 are a 
testament to the quality of its design and procurement. In many ways, 
the B 52 is the last great success story of American bomber design and 
procurement. As the development of the new Long Range Strike Bomber 
moves forward, we must demand the same innovative thought and 
dedication that led to the development of the B 52 in the 1950s. Our 
new bomber must be cost-effective, reliable, and versatile. And it must 
be produced on schedule, on budget and in quantity. Anything less would 
be mismanagement we cannot afford, either fiscally or strategically.
  2012 has been coined the ``Year of the B 52.'' This year, more than 
ever, we celebrate the American innovation and dedication that produced 
this time-tested and tireless workhorse for the Nation. We also 
celebrate and give our whole-hearted thanks to the men and women who 
keep these great aircraft flying and keep our Nation safe.

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