2 MXS maintainers strive for greatness

The 2nd Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintainers work on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 28. Team Barksdale works hard to foster a culture of safety by continually assessing daily operations and finding new ways to make the work environment a better place to accomplish the mission. Barksdale is comprised of dedicated individuals who are highly trained, well-equipped and ready to work with the nation's most powerful weapon system to the level of perfection the American people expect and deserve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Morning take off

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 27. With a well-rounded bomber force, the 2nd Bomb Wing and B-52s lead the way when it comes to global engagement. The long range and versatility of the B-52 make it the weapon of choice for providing deterrence, demonstrating U.S. resolve and combat operations around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)(RELEASED)

Touch and go

A B-52H Stratofortress lands during a touch-and-go on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Oct. 16. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. The B-52 is the backbone of the bomber force with the ability for global attack and precision engagement. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Kristin High)(RELEASED)

Backbone of the bomber force

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off over Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Oct. 16. The B-52 provides the backbone of the bomber force with the ability for global attack and precision engagement. Its proud history paves the way as the next generation of bombers comes online to provide a comprehensive bomber package. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)(RELEASED)

Always ready

Senior Airman Christopher Green, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, connects a hydraulic quick disconnect hose from an engine pump to a wing strut of a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 28. Airmen from the 2 AMXS routinely inspect and repair the aircraft, checking wiring, fluid levels and any other parts that may have discrepancies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

Always ready

Tech. Sgt. Jason Gamble (right) and Staff Sgt. Mitchell Seitz, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, drag hoses from a portable hydraulic test stand on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 28. Maintainers can perform upwards of 30 jobs during a routine pre-flight inspection of an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

Always ready

Staff Sgt. Kevin Henchey, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, closes a panel on a B-52H Stratofortress engine on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 28. Crew chiefs are required to be qualified on more than 250 tasks to ensure the aircraft is in top condition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

BUFF in the Sun

A B-52H Stratofortress receives maintenance on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 27. The B-52 is capable of flying 7,652 nautical miles or 8,800 miles without being refueled by another aircraft. The "BUFF" is classified as a long-range, heavy bomber and is capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of mixed ordnance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony)(RELEASED)

Year of the Buff

Airmen of the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron wash a B-52H Stratofortress in the Corrosion Control Facility on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 19. The B-52 is a jet-powered strategic bomber and plays a vital role in the Barksdale mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)(RELEASED)

Year of the Buff

Airmen 1st Class Eric Dearing and Airman 1st Class Sean Minnis, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron wash a B-52H Stratofortress in the Corrosion Control Facility on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 19. Each part of the plane is meticulously scrubbed to prevent build-up of grime. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)(RELEASED)

B-52s in Exercise Red Flag

First Lt. Kevin Crawford, 96th Bomb Squadron, inspects a Barksdale B-52 bomb bay before one of many wartime training missions during Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Exercise Red Flag is traditionally one of the Air Force’s most comprehensive training events preparing aviators for war. (courtesy photo)

B-52s in Exercise Red Flag

Three B-52s from the 96th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., line up on the flightline at Nellis AFB, Nev. The B-52s participated in Exercise Red Flag, which is traditionally one of the Air Force’s most comprehensive training events preparing aviators for war. (courtesy photo)