B-52 Stratofortress - Lightening pod

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM—A B-52 Stratofortress takes off on a unique mission with new equipment, April 7, 2003. The mission they are preparing for will be the first “real world” mission where a Lightening 2 Pod is used for laser-guided bomb delivery. The base at which the aircrew is deployed is currently the home of the 457th Air Expeditionary Group, which has been positioned to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stacia M. Willis)