A B-52H Stratofortress rests on the flightline at Minot

A B-52H Stratofortress rests on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 26, 2014, during Global Thunder 15. During the exercise, a series of B-52s took off in rapid succession to test the response capabilities of the base. Global Thunder is a U.S. Strategic Command annual field training and battle staff exercise designed to exercise all mission areas with primary emphasis on nuclear command, control and communications. This field training and battle staff exercise provides training opportunities for components, task forces, units, and command posts to deter, and if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the president. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Sahara L. Fales)