Andrew P. Hunter: “The B-52 is still our Nation's most capable and only dual-role bomber and provides substantial conventional firepower…”

“The B-52 is still our Nation's most capable and only dual-role bomber and provides substantial conventional firepower and a strong nuclear deterrent. The committee believes that maintaining the current inventory of 94 B-52's is a cost-effective investment in our Nation's defense. Accordingly, the committee report directs the Air Force to retain in attrition reserve the 28 B-52's programmed for retirement in the Department of Defense budget request. With the funds authorized under the bill, the committee expects the Air Force to keep the 28 attrition reserve aircraft at their current operational B-52 bases, maintained ready to fly and cycled through the active squadrons.”