article_snippet: (CNN)For the first time, the U.S. Air Force has resurrected a B-52 bomber that had been in long-term storage at the Boneyard, the portion of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, where the military sends aircraft that have been retired from the fleet.
article_snippet: Thousands of aircraft are stored at the Boneyard, where the dry desert environment helps preserve Thousands of aircraft.
article_snippet: Some are scavenged to supply parts to planes still in the fleet.
article_snippet: Others are brought back into service.
article_snippet: It is expected to resume active service next year.
article_snippet: As of May 2014, the Air Force reported there were 76 Stratofortresses in the Air Force fleet, 58 in the active force and 18 in the Air Force Reserve.
article_snippet: Besides Barksdale, B-52s are based at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
highlights_snippet: U.S. Air Force resurrects B-52 Stratofortress for return to service .
  