Posted on 10/23/2017 5:15:18 AM PDT by Enlightened1
The United States Air Force will put its ageing fleet of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers on 24-hour alert for the first time since the end of the Cold War, according to its chief of staff.
Amid rising tensions with North Korea and a resurgent Putin-led Russia, General David Goldfein told Defense One that the strategic bomber force will be ready at a day's notice for the first time in 26 years.
Adapting to the 'reality of the global situation', Goldfein's order would see B-52s readied at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and armed with nuclear weapons - something not seen since 1991.
Indeed, Barksdale - the home of the 2D Bomb Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command - is currently being refurbished in anticipation of the change in defense posture to allow the bombers to 'take off at a moment's notice'.
This is the latest defensive move from the US military, matching the bellicose threats that President Trump has posted on Twitter, putting North Korea, Iran and other American enemies on notice he will use the might of the armed forces.
This comes after Donald Trump met with top military chiefs on October 6, and made a comment about 'calm before the storm.'
Speaking to Defense One, General Goldfein emphasized that orders haven't been given yet, but that they are preparing the bases in the event that it should happen.
'This is yet one more step in ensuring that we're prepared,' General Goldfein explained.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
In practical reality, those 50+ year old bombers can take nearly half a day to reach their targets; SLBMs can be there in a matter of minutes. They do make a good display, though.
And sub launched cruise missiles as well.
Wait to see if a few get pre-positioned to Guam...
“This helps explain the pilot recall to active duty.”
This is all the legacy of 8 years of complete appeasement, following 8 prior years of weakness and one-world BS.
“This is the latest defensive move from the US military, matching the bellicose threats that President Trump has posted on Twitter,....”
They should never have been taken off 24 hour alert.
Right. The Gubbermint doesn’t tell the “little people” much.
Good point...They’re looking for experience and fearlessness.
“This is all the legacy of 8 years of complete appeasement...”
Appeasement or cooperation?
LeMay was the original “mad dog.” We need more like him.
I think the BUFF readiness and eventual deployment is part of a scare tactic to either intimidate, or cause the North to initiate an offensive operation.
I would guess that the B-52’s would not be on the first waves of an attack. More of a stand off weapon or deployed when air superiority is achieved. They could then pound the DMZ and Nork artillery with precision weapons.
Missiles, B-1’s, B-2’s, F-22’s and F-35’s would be the initial strike force followed by F-15’s, 16’s and 18’s.
I believe the Navy has these big steel tubes called submarines that are deployed 24/7/365 that have nuclear tipped missiles in them. They are usually much closer to the threat than Louisiana or Nebraska. So it’s not the only thing that we have.
Thanks for the info.I’m very aware of the Ohio class SSBN’s in use by the navy.The problem is once those missiles are fired they cannot be recalled unlike the Stratigic Bombers in the Air Force or back in the days when SAC ruled the roost.
Besides that I have nothing against my friends in the Navy,I’m just Biased by my years spent in SAC.
Agree ..... lived SAC at Kinchloe AFB with B-52’s, FB-111’s and KC-135’s then Davis Monthan AFB and McConnell AFB with Titan ICBM ..... SAC had they’re shit together 24/7 . If you were in the proximity of an alert crew on a bomber base and the klaxon went off you had better make a hole and get out of they’re way.....
I believe his comments were talking about the current USAF command that replaced SAC command. Anyone in the special weapons arena is well aware of the USN and USAF parts of the “old” TRIAD..... now pretty much “two train rails” without an alert bomber contingent .
If I was the chief cook and bottle washer aka HMFWIC we would have 50 boomers “fully” loaded with W88’s and W76’s also 200 attack subs with conventional SLCM’s and nukes back on carriers...... Real need exists to reevaluate and renegotiate the SALT agreements on MIRV warhead limits IMHO.
MAD doctrines purpose has been lost ...... Bert the Turtle should never have to come out of retirement.
As to USAF assets to disperse I would place B2’s on 24/7 alert, loaded with nukes in the CONUS and B52’s or B1’s on just Guam.
Just my opinion of course.
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