Boeing Wichita Celebrates 50 Years of B-52s
A crowd of 5,000 current and former Boeing employees, Armed Forces veterans and others commemorated on April 12 the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the B-52 Stratofortress. Photos available.
"The B-52 set the benchmark for the rest of us," said Jerry Daniels, president and CEO of Boeing Military Aircraft and Missile Systems. "This is a special and unique moment because this aircraft is a symbol of teamwork. What really got us here today is that teamwork."
The afternoon ceremony featured Boeing and Air Force officials who have been involved in some aspect of the B-52's half-century of service to America. For many in attendance, the highlight of the day was a B-52 flyover.
Speakers included former test pilot Brig. Gen. Guy Townsend, who was involved in the B-52's earliest flights. Townsend said one of his fondest dreams is to see the re-engining of the aircraft.
Lt. Gen. Tom Keck, 8th Air Force commander, told the audience, "No other weapon system, tank, ship or aircraft has continued to serve as a frontline defense after 50 years of success. The current fight against terrorism is simply just another great chapter in this aircraft's spectacular history."
Air Force Major Gen. Charles Johnson, commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, said, "The B-52 has helped us meet all challenges through decades. It took American ingenuity and determination, and required engineering to solve all types of problems and changes through the years. It continues to be modernized and is a true American icon."
By: Ronald Bliss
April 17, 2002