Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

B-52 "Stratofortress"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. B-52 "Stratofortress" Marker

Inscription. The first of two B-52 prototypes flew on 15 April 1952 and B-52A production models first flew on 5 August 1954. One significant change from the production model was in flight deck layout, which changed the pilot tandem seating to side by side. Strategic Air Command (SAC) received its first B-52B in June 1955 and deliveries continued until October 1962.

The B-52 accommodated a crew of six (pilot and co-pilot, navigator, radar navigator, electronic counter measurer (ECM) operator and gunner). It carried a wide variety of ECM systems. Other systems included 60,000 lbs of internal weapons, missiles, pylons and a 20mm vulcan gun. B-52 units based in Thailand began combat operations in Vietnam in 1965 with support of ground forces first occurring in November 1965. Between June 1965 and August 1973, SAC scheduled 126,663 B-52 sorties and launched 126,615.

This aerospace vehicle (s/n 55-0068) is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, Vietnam. A significant historical date for this entry is April 15, 1952.

Location. 29° 23.63′ N,

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98° 37.195′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Master Sgt. Samuel O. Turner (here, next to this marker); Airman 1st Class Martin Jester • Airman 2nd Class Eugene Traczyk Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); B-57 "Canberra" (within shouting distance of this marker); B-66 "Destroyer" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-100 "Super Sabre" (within

B-52 "Stratofortress" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. B-52 "Stratofortress" and Marker

shouting distance of this marker); Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-4 "Phantom II" (within shouting distance of this marker); Republic JF-105B "Thunderchief" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. Wikipedia

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. B-52 "Stratofortress" and Marker
United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s, and NASA for over 40 years. The bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons and has a typical combat range of around 8,800 miles (14,200 km) without aerial refueling.

(Submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The B-52 "Stratofortress" in the air park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

4. The B-52 "Stratofortress" in the air park

B-52 "Stratofortress" image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force - Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo, May 15, 2014

5. B-52 "Stratofortress"

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 931st Air Refueling Group, McConnell Air Force Base

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.