When a USAF B-52 Flew Below The Aircraft Carrier's Flight Deck in 1990 #shorts

In April 1990, the most eye-catching fly-by in aviation history took place. The USS Ranger CV-61 was reportedly approached by two B-52 bombers who requested permission for a flyby. They were given clearance to do so, by the air controller of the carrier. When the bombers were just 5.5 miles from the aircraft carrier and had started to speed up, they informed the air controller that they were on their way, to which the controller responded, "WHERE? I CAN'T SEE YOU, I'M SORRY. When the B-52 pilot advised the crew to "look down," the sailors were astonished to find the massive bomber flying just 30 feet above the water. During the Cold War, B-52s frequently practiced low-level flights to approach beneath Soviet radar. The B-52 pilots requested a second fly-by so that the remaining sailors who were unable to see it could also take in this breathtaking fly-by. The ship's crew answered in the affirmative, and this time, a lot more sailors had their cameras out. However, I have to say that this wasn't the first time. Two B-52s flew low over the aircraft carrier USS Midway, CV-41, in the winter of 1981.

#shorts #youtubeshorts #usaf #b52 #aircraftcarrier #below #flightdeck

[thumperjdm]

"Where are you? I don't see you."
"Well, we've got our windshield wipers on, if that tells you anything."

[troyh]

Forget balls of steel, that pilot had neutron stars for balls.

[laurenciozabala]

U.S.S. Ranger: where are you?
B-52: look down.

[jimtalor]

The CO of the Midway told us that the B 52's was so big it's normal turning radius was so many miles wide. That was an impressive sight.

[MrTPF]

I was OOD (Officer Of the Deck) on a USN frigate in the late 80's and we were in the middle of nowhere in the western Pacific. I did a 360 search around the ship with my binoculars and saw something on the horizon trailing black smoke. A few moments later and a B-52 over-flew us. Heard absolutely nothing from my lookouts. You have no idea how big and loud that bomber was as it flew by!

[andrewkessinger]

The story was that the USAF and Navy were trying to figure out any way in which Soviet bombers and reconnaissance planes could sneak up on an aircraft carrier. That B52 was the first to accomplish it.

[draco]

That aircraft carrier makes the b-52, one of, if not the largest strategic bomber ever made, look tiny in comparison

[lannybrasher]

30 feet?! Crazy! Wish I could have seen it!

[dantwaites]

Having been an Air Force Munitions systems crew member. I can say the b52 is a massively monstrous and impressive craft

[Foxtrap]

My father flew in Vietnam with the B52 pilot that made these passes. He used to fly OV10s.

[hcic]

It's hard to imagine seeing a plane of any size let alone that size, flying so close to the water. Must've been one helluva sight

[carolnelson]

So much for "the pattern is full."

[gregorygaskill]

The expense and risks of realistic training is invaluable,

[auntiejen]

They are such an impressive sight!! They are both majestic and intimidating.

[--Dani]

That's an unbelievable picture, also shows you how massive those aircraft carriers are looks like you could almost land that B 52 on it

[glennac]

Even back in 1981 it could be said that two antique bombers flew by an antique aircraft carrier. Nevertheless, Midway is still with us as a museum and B-52s still are flying for the Airforce. Amazing. 🤩

[gyrsriddle]

“Jet exhaust frying chickens in the barnyard “

[norm]

They should have seen if they could give the Air Boss a stroke and said prepare for a landing.

[netsimam]

USS: Yo B-52 what you doin
B-52: I am blue angel
USS: Oh cool wait why are you coming close
B-52: Am pro
USS: NO NO NO

[Darnoc]

this must have looked scary for the pilots