B-52G/H Stratofortress All Color In Action, Part 2. More than any other weapon system, the legendary Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is the embodiment of American military power in the popular imagination. The B-52 was workhorse of the Strategic Air Command in its nuclear deterrent role, the most important mission during the Cold War. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the B-52 has been its longevity. First flown in 1952 and entering operational service with the US Air Force in 1955; Boeing delivered the last new B-52 in 1962. More than 4 decades later, the B-52 remains in front line service, most recently serving in combat over Afghanistan and Iraq. Even more amazingly, current plans are for the B-52 to remain in service until 2040! 119 photographs, 113 of which are in color, plus line drawings and five color profiles.