How Steel Sheets and Skills Help B-52 Bombers Maintain Air Superiority

In a report by The Epoch Times on March 23, 2025, the four U.S. Air Force B-52H “Stratofortress” bombers belonging to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron stationed at the Fairford Air Force Base in the UK have successfully carried out 13 combat missions in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, collaborating with over twenty allied and partner countries. Following the completion of their deployment in Europe, the aircraft returned to the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on March 17.

The mission of the Bomber Task Force (BTF) has enhanced the United States’ capability to rapidly project combat power, showcasing American lethality and readiness in dynamic security environments, as stated by Major General Joseph Campo, the Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.

What makes the over 60-year-old B-52 bombers continue to dominate the skies and remain robust in their missions?

The Minot Air Force Base announced in a press release on March 18 that while the roar of the B-52 engines reverberates through the skies, the flying capability of these bombers relies entirely on the silent work of the ground support personnel. The “Fabrication Flight” of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is responsible for maintaining the aircraft’s structure, repairing damages, reinforcing weak points, and ensuring these aging aircraft are combat-ready. Whether repairing minor cracks or manufacturing brand new parts, their work ensures the successful completion of every B-52 mission.

In the past, blacksmiths shaped metal at will to forge weapons. Today, the members of the “Fabrication Flight” of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron carry on this tradition, showcasing significant power in the sky.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Hassell, an aircraft structural maintenance technician in the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, mentioned in the press release that the purpose of the Bomber Task Force is to demonstrate the U.S. military’s global strike command capacity and to deter adversaries while ensuring the safety of allies.

During their deployment in Europe, these four B-52s served with the 25-2 Bomber Task Force (BTF). The BTF mission goes beyond routine training, serving as a demonstration of strength.

The press release emphasizes that through each flight, the B-52 strengthens the U.S. commitment to NATO collective defense, collaborates with allies, and ensures regional security. These actions test readiness, enhance response capabilities, and indicate that American bombers are ready to respond wherever the mission calls.

“Every B-52 must be ready for action at all times—we cannot afford any downtime,” stated Airman 1st Class Carson Bethany, an aircraft structural maintenance technician with the “Fabrication Flight” of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron in the press release.

“If they can’t fly, they can’t protect us; and if we can’t get protection, it means we are not doing our job properly,” Bethany added.

After each mission, aircraft commanders meticulously inspect the B-52H for punctures, cracks, or structural damage. If issues are discovered, the Aircraft Structural Maintenance team is summoned. Technicians either replace damaged components or manufacture new parts from scratch using precise tools and blueprints.

“What I love about sheet metal work is that I can create any maintenance material as needed for the job,” said Bethany. “A piece of metal sheet can do so many things—I didn’t realize this until I joined.”

Regular maintenance is key to preventing major repairs and extending the B-52’s operational life. When operating away from the U.S. mainland, maintenance personnel must become adaptable problem solvers, prepared to address unforeseen damages under unpredictable conditions. No two missions are the same, and the challenges faced upon the aircraft’s return vary each time.

“In a perfect world, there would be no damages, and we wouldn’t have to intervene,” Bethany remarked. “But reality is different. Every flight brings wear and tear, and when problems arise, our job is to fix them. That’s why these bombers continue to fight.”

The press release states that the B-52 is a resilient aircraft, and its longevity is not coincidental. Every scratch, dent, and crack tells a story of flight miles, mission executions, and the wear of time.

For the personnel of the “Fabrication Flight,” their job is to ensure these stories do not end in the maintenance bay. With skills, adaptability, and dedication, they breathe new life into these bombers, ensuring that the B-52 is ready to respond at any time when the mission arises.

The long-standing eight-engine jet-powered bomber B-52 has been an iconic symbol of American air power, originating in the 1950s and set to serve until the 2060s, potentially making it the longest-serving military aircraft in history, spanning nearly a century.

During their deployment, the B-52 bombers participated in several notable exercises:

1. “Fortress Hail” Mission: A dynamic targeting mission in the Baltic skies involving integration with NATO forces.

2. Precision Strike Operations: The bombers, under the guidance of U.S. and Finnish Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, dropped GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) on the Rovajärvi Range in Finland.

3. Long-Range Strike and Air-to-Air Integration Exercises: Collaborations with European and Middle Eastern allies.

4. Historic Low-Level Flight over the Swedish Parliament: Commemorating one year of Sweden’s NATO accession.

The U.S. Air Force emphasized that the latest Bomber Task Force mission underscores the “U.S. commitment to NATO and global security,” showcasing combat readiness and deterrence.

Furthermore, the Air Force stressed that these actions exemplify the concept of “seeking peace through strength” and enhance strategic stability in an increasingly complex security environment.