Have That Removed
The Drive is reporting that while recently reported strikes against Taliban drug labs in A-Stan (what a great idea, Barry!) intended to defeat and defund terrorists in country, the Air Force has been using B-52’s, among other aircraft, to redecorate the place. Literally reshaping the terrain via loads of dumb bombs to blast away mountain passes, areas that may provide concealment and cover, and to channel militant forces into specific areas.
“Area denial missions can range from shaping enemy force maneuvers to denying key terrain to the enemy,” the public affairs officer said. “These terrain denial strikes are useful in enabling freedom of maneuver for our forces, elimination of cover and concealment by enemy forces, an [sic; and] affecting enemy pattern of life in such a way that allows us to gain invaluable intelligence on their networks.”
In short, the sorties are a deliberate and coordinated effort to strip away actual terrain features – narrow mountainous paths, rock-topped ridgelines, and even buildings and other man-made structures – that militants might use to move without being seen or ambush friendly troops on the ground in the future. It also attempts to funnel the insurgents and terrorists into particular areas or operating habits, which might make them easier to observe, isolate, and neutralize.
F-16s, B-52s, and even MQ-9 drones have been used, with the Mk-82 the weapon of choice. The BUFFs have the advantage with their enormous payload capability, and have flown in excess of 225 strike missions over A-Stan since July 2016, dropping over 1,000 munitions of various types.
These missions are not indiscriminate “carpet bombing” as the objective is area denial, where collateral damage and civilian casualties are avoided as much as possible. “Factoring in release angle, aircraft speed, winds and other variables, our aircrew are expertly trained to deliver unguided munitions in such a manner that they often hit a target with nearly the same degree of accuracy as a guided munition.”
Say what you may about the Air Force, with them it’s Go Big or Go Home.
Category: Politics
When there is a crisis that flares up, the first question a POTUS asks is…where are my BUFFS at?
Surprised the Bone isn’t getting in on the fun too. Wonder if the BUFF is cheaper to operate?
Crazy that our NEWEST B-52 was built in ’62. And it’s a hell of a plane!
swing-wing aircraft are noted for significantly higher maintenance costs.
I can also see holding the B-1s back, in case we need their greater aero capabilities, airframe life being finite.
I think the B-1s are standing by to dance in Korea.
The bones are a maintenance nightmare and were replaced in theater by the Buffs do to better reliability rates.
You got bad gouge on that. The Bone’s were going under a major mod from SB-15 to SB-16. Not all of the operational squadrons had upgraded jets. They were pulled until all the ops units were upgraded. They’ll be back soon.
There are still DC-3s in service. The oldest DC-3 still flying is Flagship Detroit, tail #NC17334, was built in 1937. In 2016, she flew cross-country to 10 events. Build them right, and they last forever.
My brother flies a 1946 Taylorcraft taildragger.
https://airwaysmag.com/uncategorized/flagship-detroit-onboard-the-worlds-oldest-flying-dc-3/
…I saw my first B-52 up close on December 8, 1978, when I reported to the 379th BMW at Wurtsmith AFB, MI. I’ve been in love with that airplane ever since.
Mik
I grew up a couple miles off the runway under the approach path of Carswell Air Force Base, used to watch those bad birds fly over my house low enough to read the tail numbers. Used to love climbing in and around them at the Carswell Air show every year. Such an amazing aircraft!
We must have been neighbors.
I was born at Wurtsmith, 1962. My dad (then MAJ D) was a B-52 Nav. He was on alert status when I was born, so the whole flight crew was at the hospital with him. Always thought that was pretty cool!
Okay, you guys. Here’s your MITO for this morning. 15 second intervals.
You started it, Ex.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5qqfsQGYus
*grin*
Three pairs of nylon stockings?
Heehee!
Works for me.
“Have that removed”
https://youtu.be/w6Oy4Prsai0?t=50
I know that fire hydrant!
It sits outside what used to be the reception center building in Ft Knox where this was filmed, I was there only a few years after filming and freaked out when I recognized what room I was sitting in where the “Uncle Hulka?” speech was given.
What’s a BUFF?
Nickname for the B-52. Big Ugly Fat Fvcker.
Thanks.
You posted while I was deep googling.
Thanks anyway
I found it.
Google is my friend.
BUFF = Big ugly fat fucker
Nickname for the B52
Yeah. We knew that…
Sorry Yef. I’m a big acronym nazi, and will do better in the future to write ’em out longhand, first use. The “bone” Cobrakai99 is referring to is shorthand for the B-1 bomber (B-One).
So … not Arclight missons, but similar maybe?
I once asked my uncle (Vietnam Marine vet who occasionally saw the aftermath of such a strike up close) what Arc Light means. His answer:
“When you have some B-52s and you want to make absolutely sure that even the damn cockroaches are dead!”
I have always loved that plane! I think they will be flying for the next 100 years! I would love to see one drop a MOAB on the little Nork NDtBF just for fun!
My favorite B-52 story, heard years ago, came from someone flying around a military airfield in the 60’s somewhere in the central US.
The military tower came onto the control frequency and told all other aircraft to clear the area and keep traffic to a minimum as there was a B-52 in distress that had to land right away.
Someone called in and said “what’s the emergency?” and the controller replied that the B-52 had lost one engine.
Then an anonymous voice came on the radio and said, completely deadpan: “Ah, yes. The dreaded ‘seven engine landing.’ 😀