US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff in California

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from a military base in California, the Air Force said. The service confirmed the incident but did not provide details on the circumstances of the crash or the status of the crew. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons. Entering service during the Cold War, the aircraft has remained in the U.S. inventory through decades of modernization programs. B-52s have been used in U.S. military operations in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and the Middle East. The Air Force did not immediately release further information on personnel involved in the California crash.