Operation Desert Storm: Limits on the Role and Performance of B-52 Bombers in Conventional Conflicts
NSIAD-93-138
Published: May 12, 1993. Publicly Released: Jun 15, 1993.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the role and performance of B-52 bombers in Operation Desert Storm and implications for their future conventional use.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should consider setting aside any major proposals to modify bombers for conventional operations until the Department of Defense (DOD) determines how best to employ strategic bombers in conventional conflicts. | DOD noted that some of the B-52 fleet would be retired but that some modifications were required to the remaining fleet for those aircraft to continue to be viable. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To assist DOD in making such a determination, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to reconcile the different priorities reflected in the B-52's Desert Storm experience and the Air Force bomber roadmap. |
DOD noted that some of the B-52 fleet would be retired, but that some modifications were required to the remaining fleet for those aircraft to continue to be viable. No action has been taken on this recommendation.
|
| Department of Defense | To assist DOD in making such a determination, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure that theater commanders are a major player in defining the bomber's role and the subsequent training and equipment priorities. |
DOD noted that some of the B-52 fleet would be retired, but that some modifications were required to the remaining fleet for those aircraft to continue to be viable. No action has been taken on this recommendation.
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