A retired B-52H pulled from the boneyard will return to the active fleet this year after its first depot maintenance in more than a decade. “Ghost Rider,” tail number 61-007, was in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., for more than seven years before being tapped for resurrection, according to an Air Force Materiel Command release. The aircraft is replacing an operational Stratofortress that was severely damaged by a cockpit fire in 2014, and will be the first B-52H regenerated back into the fleet. The aircraft last went through depot maintenance at Tinker AFB, Okla., in 2004. “This is more than just a regular PDM,” said Janis Wood, deputy director for the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group at Tinker, in the release. “After seven years in storage, there are many modifications and inspections that must be done to ensure a safe and reliable aircraft.” The rehab is scheduled to finish in December, and the bomber will re-enter the inventory at Minot AFB, N.D., shortly thereafter.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
