Capt. Adam Friesz, 20th Bomb Squadron, briefs aircrew members at the step desk on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. During the step briefing, aircrew members are briefed on weather conditions, where their aircraft is parked and file paperwork. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Members of the 20th Bomb Squadron place their equipment on the ground before receiving a briefing on the condition of the aircraft they'll be flying on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. At the aircraft, the aircrew discuss the type of mission they are performing, the general procedures for ground checks and starting the engines with the crew chiefs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Maj. Aaron Tillman, 20th Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, speaks with crew chiefs about the condition of the aircraft on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. The aircrew discuss the type of mission they are performing, the general procedures for ground checks and starting the engines with the crew chiefs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
1st Lt. Dan Ecklebe, 20th Bomb Squadron co-pilot, performs pre-flight inspections on a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. Each member of the aircrew has his or her own specific items they check when conducting aircraft inspections before take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
1st Lt. Dan Ecklebe, 20th Bomb Squadron co-pilot, inspects the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. Each member of the aircrew has his or her own specific items they check when conducting aircraft inspections before take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Capt. Douglas Lewandowski, 20th Bomb Squadron electronic warfare officer, checks a part of a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. Each member of the aircrew has his or her own specific items they check when conducting aircraft inspections before take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Capt. Matthew Middlebrooks, 20th Bomb Squadron radar navigator, removes a piece of equipment from a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. Members of the aircrew inspect the aircraft before going inside. Each member has his or her own specific items of interest they look at as they conduct their inspections before take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
A B-52H Stratofortress undergoes take-off preparations on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. Once the engines start, both the aircrew and crew chiefs ensure they are functioning properly. The crew chiefs focus on the exterior of the aircraft while the aircrew focuses on the interior. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Maj. Aaron Tillman, 20th Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, communicates with crew chiefs on the ground while performing interior checks inside a B-52H Stratofortress on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. If there are no problems during startup, the crew chiefs begin to taxi the aircraft to the runway for take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
Barksdale crew chiefs perform their ground checks for a B-52H Stratofortress take-off on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. The crew chiefs focus on the exterior of the aircraft while the aircrew focuses on the interior. The aircrew and crew chiefs are constantly communicating to ensure all take-off procedures are executed correctly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
A B-52H Stratofortress undergoes take-off preparations on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 25. If there are no problems during startup, the crew chiefs begin to taxi the aircraft to the runway for take-off. The B-52 is capable of flying 7,652 nautical miles or 8,800 miles without being refueled by another aircraft. 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/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)