Starting in 1960, one third of the squadron's aircraft were maintained on fifteen minute alert, fully fueled and ready for combat to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet missile strike. This was increased to half the squadron's aircraft in 1962. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, starting on 20 October, the squadron was directed to put two additional planes on alert and on 24 October SAC went to DEFCON 2, placing all aircraft on alert. In addition, 1/8 of SAC's B-52s were placed on airborne alert.Kipp, et al., pp. 34-35 On 21 November SAC returned to normal airborne alert posture.Kipp, et al., p. 47
