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A week in history July 30 – August 5

By 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs / Published August 02, 2017

Operation CHROME DOME was a Cold War effort by the U.S. to keep B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft armed with nuclear weapons and to remain on constant airborne alert. The bombers flew routes near the Soviet Union border and were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers.
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Operation CHROME DOME was a Cold War effort by the U.S. to keep B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft armed with nuclear weapons and to remain on constant airborne alert. The bombers flew routes near the Soviet Union border and were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers. (Courtesy Photo)

A KC-135 Stratotanker rests on the ramp at Moron Air Base, Spain during Operation CHROME DOME. B-52 Stratofortresses flew routes near the Soviet Union border and were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers to keep them on constant airborne alert. (Courtesy Photo)
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A KC-135 Stratotanker rests on the ramp at Moron Air Base, Spain during Operation CHROME DOME. B-52 Stratofortresses flew routes near the Soviet Union border and were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers to keep them on constant airborne alert. (Courtesy Photo)

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FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Remembering the extensive impact Fairchild Air Force Base has had on the Air Force and operations around the world is important during our 75th year of providing responsive, precise air refueling and operational support for the full range of military operations.


August 4, 1946

The 92nd Bomb Group was activated at Ft. Worth Army Air Forces and equipped with B-29 Superfortress. The group remained at Fort Worth AAF until it moved to Fairchild nearly 11 months later on July 31, 1947.


August 1, 1962

The 92nd Bombardment Wing began launching a bomber each day in support of Operation CHROME DOME, a Cold War effort to keep B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft armed with nuclear weapons and to remain on constant airborne alert. The bombers flew routes near the Soviet Union border and were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers. These support missions would continue until December 31 when operation CHROME DOME was temporarily ended.