One-third Reduction of the Air Force''s Fleet of B-1B Lancers

391184 01: FILE PHOTO: A B-1B Lancer is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling and penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy defenses flys over Wyoming in an undated photo. The B-1B, originally built to penetrate Soviet air defenses in the event of nuclear war, is able to perform a variety of missions such as a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld included a proposal for a one-third reduction in the Air Force''s fleet of B-1B Lancers as a cost-saving step in the administration''s amended 2002 defense budget, which is to be submitted to Congress on June 27, 2001. (Photo by Douglas C. Brunelle/Courtesy of U.S. Air Force/Getty Images)