B-1B Lancer
United States Air Force (USAF)

Operator: 384th Bomb Wing
Location: McConnell AFB, Kansas
Date: 1989

Personal Interest: I was stationed at McConnell AFB in 1989 for ROTC training camp. While there, I witnessed the powerful and impressive B-1B. The 384th BW was one of the first units to receive the B-1B in 1988. These bombers were placed on nuclear alert and regularly practiced scrambles.

Model Specifications: This model represents a B-1B of the 384th BW as of 1989. Early B-1's retained the engine nozzle turkey feathers and were painted in a SIOP paint scheme.

Secondary Interests:
Cold War: Upon his election, President Reagan was deeply concerned the Soviet Union took advantage of the United States since "detente" in the Nixon administration and "peace dividend" draw-downs during the Carter administration. In a controversial move, he re-started the B-1 bomber program that had been cancelled in the Carter administration. The first B-1Bs entered service in 1988 at Dyess AFB, TX and McConnell AFB, KS. I was very excited to see this new aircraft in operation.