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.
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.