Military aircraft nose art has become the rule and not the exception throughout the bomber and tanker forces of the United States Air Force. Tradition plays a large part in inspiration for nose art. As shown in Randy Walkers' book, cartoons and sexy ladies have returned. Names like "Memphis Belle", "Chow Hound" and "Maid in the USA," that once went to war on B-17s and B-24s are now carried by B-52s as well as many other modern aircraft.
This modern nose art is often applied by a professional artist, though it is sometimes painted by members of the unit, and in the process some excellent artwork has been created.
