Article - Minot AFB ND "Only The Best come North" - 2015

Minot AFB ND "Only The Best come North"

Minot AFB North Dakota is home to the 5th Bomb Wing (5th BW) and manages 5th Operations Group (5th OG). Within the 5th BW are two squadrons of B-52Hs the 23rd BS and the 69th BS. The 5th BW reports to the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC).

Assigned to both squadrons are 25-30 B-52Hs and these can often be seen deployed around the Pacific region and to the UK at RAF Fairford. The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, nuclear and conventional heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes reaching 50,000 feet. It has an unrefueled combat range in excess of 8,800 miles. The B-52H can carry precision guided ordnance with worldwide precision navigation.

On base nearly 6,000 military and 800 civilian personnel serve with the 5th BW.

Their wing emblem/motto is : "Kiai O Ka Lewa" or "Guardians of the Upper Realm".

B-52H Stratofortress Facts

Primary function: Heavy bomber

Contractor: Boeing Military

Power plant: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 turbofan

Thrust: Each engine up to 17,000 pounds

Wingspan: 185 feet (56.4 meters)

Length: 159 feet, 4 inches (48.5 meters)

Height: 40 feet, 8 inches (12.4 meters)

Weight: Approximately 185,000 pounds (83,250 kilograms)

Maximum takeoff weight: 488,000 pounds (219,600 kilograms)