The B-52Gs were targeted for elimination in the February 2011 version of the treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation. These G model aircraft were built in the late 1950s and later nicknamed “BUFF” for “big, ugly fat fellow.” 

Teams from the 577th Commodities Reclamation Squadron, 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, cut the tail section between two of the air frame’s production breaks — a strategic cut that is stipulated by the treaty. 

In addition, the removed section must be placed at a 30-degree angle to the remaining airframe. To facilitate satellite verification, referred to in Article X of the treaty, the tail section is lifted onto modules situated at the required angle. The modules were custom-built by AMARG’s 309th Support Squadron Wood Mill. 

“The 60-day clock to verify the elimination procedure begins the day the cut tail section is placed at the 30-degree angle,” said Sheila Burdette, 309th AMARG Treaty Officer. “Once the sixty-day verification by parties to the Treaty is complete, the aircraft is removed from the inventory of treaty inspectable aircraft.” 

Work began in October, and the AMARG teams will eliminate one B-52G per month.