Contractors at Barksdale AFB, La., are hard at work restoring a retired B-52D at the 8th Air Force Museum. This Stratofortress, with serial number 56-629, flew 400 combat missions during the Vietnam War, surviving a hit by a surface-to-air missile during Operation Linebacker II in 1972. This airframe also served as Boeing’s test prototype for the “big-belly” modification that enabled carriage of as many as 84 general-purpose bombs, compared to 27 with the current B-52 H model. Restoration will include remedial sheet-metal work and a new coat of paint. “With the harsh Louisiana sun and weather, a paint job can only last about five or six years.” said MSgt. Keith Baron, superintendent of museum operations. Since acquiring the B-52 in 1982, the museum has restored the aircraft several times, most recently in 2004, and hopes someday to build a museum facility capable of housing the aircraft indoors. (Barksdale report by SSgt. John Gordinier)
Air Force’s A-29 Fleet Mothballed at Edwards
Nov. 5, 2026
The Air Force’s trio of A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft are now considered officially retired and are being mothballed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., after briefly being used at the Air Force Test Pilot School.