The 11th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., is “home” to all B-52 aircrew—pilots, navigators, and electronic warfare officers. The squadron runs BUFF initial and upgrade training, and, in 2005, the unit processed 315 B-52 students—180 were brand new to the oldest bomber in the service. (Read our story on the 50-plus-year-old workhorse here.) According to Lt. Col. Parker Northrop, 11th BS commander, the training program has been revamped some. It now includes joint warfighting, using the virtual Buff to learn advance tactics and add multiple airframes, sometimes getting to experience Red Flag and Air Warrior II exercises.
President Donald Trump on July 4 signed into law $150 billion in defense funds as part of the tax-and-spending package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” after congressional Republicans approved the legislation in narrow, drawn-out votes earlier this week.
