B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress bombers prepare to takeoff on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. Ten B-52 crews executed a minimum interval take-off. This accelerated launch procedure allows our deterrent force to respond as rapidly as possible when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

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B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress bombers prepare to execute a minimum interval takeoff on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. The B-52 is capable of flying 7,652 nautical miles, or 8,800 miles, without being refueled by another aircraft. The long-range heavy bomber is capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of mixed ordnance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

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B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress bombers execute a minimum interval takeoff from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. The aircraft?s dark grey color helps the B-52 blend in when flying at higher altitudes, at night or over large bodies of water. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)

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B-52s execute MITO

The engines of a B-52H Stratofortress are fired up by starter cartridges filled with gun powder on the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. Ten B-52 crews executed a minimum interval takeoff during a simulated alert. The launch procedure allows our deterrent force to respond as rapidly as possible when called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran)

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B-52s execute MITO

Airman 1st Class Jamichael Wiley, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, stands by after assisting with the launch of a B-52H Stratofortress on the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. During a simulated alert, aircrews rushed to their B-52s and used starter cartridges filled with gun powder to quickly fire the bomber?s engines and taxi for takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran)

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B-52s execute MITO

Ten B-52H Stratofortress crews executed a minimum interval takeoff from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. The accelerated launch procedure allows our deterrent force to respond as rapidly as possible when called upon. 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/Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran)

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B-52s execute MITO

Alert crews respond to their aircraft during a minimum interval takeoff on Barksdale Air Force Base, Aug. 15, 2013. A MITO take-off uses starter cartridges filled with gun powder to quickly fire up the B-52H Stratofortress engines. The B-52 is capable of flying 7,652 nautical miles, or 8,800 miles, without being refueled by another aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

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B-52s execute MITO

A B-52H Stratofortress is started up using starter cartridges on Barksdale Air Force Base, Aug. 15, 2013. This type of launch procedure allows our deterrent force to respond rapidly when called upon. The B-52 is classified as a long-range, heavy bomber and is capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of mixed ordnance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

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B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress crews executed a minimum interval takeoff on Barksdale Air Force Base, Aug. 15, 2013. Starter cartridges, filled with gun powder, are used during this takeoff instead of the standard compressed air takeoff. The B-52 has served in every conflict since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sean Martin)

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B-52s execute MITO

Aircrew members rush to their B-52H Stratofortress aircraft on a simulated alert on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. Ten B-52 aircrews executed a minimum interval takeoff, a procedure which allows aircraft to quickly respond and deliver precision munitions to the battlefield. For the past 60 years the B-52 has provided long-range bombing capability and is capable of launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. arsenal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress bombers taxi on the runway during a minimum interval takeoff on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. This accelerated launch procedure allows aircraft to respond as rapidly as possible when called upon. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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B-52s execute MITO

B-52H Stratofortress bombers taxi on the flightline during a minimum interval take-off on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 15, 2013. During a MITO, starter carts filled with gunpowder are used to quickly fire the bomber?s engines for take-off. The B-52 is capable of carrying nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Moua)

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B-52s execute MITO

Published Aug. 15, 2013