? The flight line at Barksdale AFB, La., reverberated with a series of explosions as 10 B-52s from the 2nd Bomb Wing used starter cartridges filled with gunpowder for rapid engine starts during a minimum-interval takeoff exercise. Using the explosive charges, instead of the usual electrical starter carts, enabled aircrews to get airborne more quickly upon receiving an alert notice during the Aug. 14 event, states Barkdale’s release. MITO exercises were common during the Cold War when Strategic Air Command bombers had to be ready for rapid takeoffs during a threatened Soviet nuclear attack. The goal is to get the bombers airborne within 15 minutes of an alert call, according to the release. “We are practicing for a real-world event. If something were to happen, this is how Barksdale would respond,” said SrA. Mitchell Dexter of the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit aircraft power plant section. “The MITO proves the teamwork between both the aircrews and ground crews is solid,” said Col. David Foote, 2nd Maintenance Group commander. “This allows Barksdale to provide nuclear deterrence, giving our allies the assurance that we have the capability needed to deter our adversaries,” he said.
Trump Says US Will Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia
Nov. 17, 2025
President Donald Trump said he plans to sell F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, announcing his decision Nov. 17, a day before he meets the country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
