Strategic Air Command Scrambles B-52 Jets

Strategic Air Command (SAC) scrambles aircraft. Great video of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.
#B52 #SAC #Stratofortress
More aviation videos at / okrajoe
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[@KFTXBU86]

This takes me back to my childhood growing up on SAC bases. My dad was in SAC, flying B-52Gs and B-1Bs. I still remember my dad leaving for his Alert rotation once a month, and I remember visiting him at the Alert Facility. I work in aviation now, hands down I still think the coolest thing I ever saw was a MITO takeoff. A line of B-52s and KC-135s taking off with only a few seconds in between, between the smoke and the wake turbulence, that is what I think of when I think of American Air Power.

[@DerekDtj]

One year every SAC wing began their annual ORI with a real MITO launch of the entire bomber/tanker fleet. At our base (Turner AFB, GA) we had 15 KCs launch followed by 15 B-52Ds. Our crew was #23 in the stream, all 15 sec. apart. The turbulence after liftoff was incredible; all the families watched from outside the perimeter fence, and I think they "enjoyed it" more than we did!

[@davidsandell7833]

My Dad was a 135 pilot. We were at Homestead and Loring. At Homestead we could see the runway from our backyard. I never missed a 15sec MITO.

[@jcspeirman3215]

Lived on Turner on Georgia Dr. until i was 9yrs old when my dad retired May of 1967 he flew the b 52

[@jcspeirman3215]

Born at Loring Sept 1957 my dad flew the B 36 then the B 52 .

[@briancooper2112]

Mine too at K.I Sawyer

[@skydive701]

4th ACCS, Ellsworth AFB, SD. Loved my job but sadly was there when all of our aircraft were taken off alert. Proud to be SAC!

[@Rocdog]

839th MSS Malmstrom AFB. Salute my fellow Sac Trained Killer brother!

[@Pulsatyr]

Thanks for your service! I often tell people that SAC won the Cold War. It's just a shame that most people don't know how many lives were lost in that "non-shooting" conflict. My friend worked on RB-47s and RB-66s in Turkey and West Germany. The stories he tells are horrific. Even the old 8th AF vets from WWII sympathized.

[@Rocdog]

@@Pulsatyr I would highly suggest you watch the modern marvels episode that’s on the history channel here on KZbin titled strategic air command it goes through the entire history. We did win the cold war we want it through deterrence and showing absolute strength and no weakness

[@keithmoore4713]

Assigned to Ellsworth 4 ACCS Radio Operator from 1980-1983. Spent many days on deployed alert at Minot. Remembering having to get up and heat the water on our EC-135. As serious as the mission was, I kinda miss it.

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

@@keithmoore4713 I was in the same time frame at Offutt AFB in the 3902nd SUPS LGSF POL.

[@amkrause2004]

I was born too late to serve in SAC. But I was born on a SAC base and lived on SAC bases. My father was in the Minuteman Missiles and the Titans. I remember watching the MITO take offs at Minot AFB. Then he switched to the Command Post and was transferred to TAC. But I remember we went over to Kadena AB, in Oct of 91, less than a year later SAC would be disbanded. But I remember seeing the bombers and tankers at Kadena also. I'm sorry you all didn;t get a medal for winning the Cold War. But I believe you all got your rewards when in Nov 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. And in Dec 1991, the Soviet Union dissolved. I want to personally thank you all for keeping the peace, like the true professionals you all were. "Peace is Our Profession"

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

Well SAC may be gone but something tells me you'll be seeing Cold War type flying real soon thanks to China. Long overdue if you ask me. Cold War never ended as long as China exists.

[@briancooper2112]

I was at Kadena 74to76. Dad worked on autopilot for tankers,rc135 and a few B-52's that landed and took off quick. Japan and Okinawa didn't like bombers on their soil. Ah the 70's. The sound of a B-52 meant freedom. 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@amkrause2004]

@@briancooper2112 yep, we were at Kadena from 1991 to 1992, I remember the SAC portion of the base. I really remember the party that was thrown at the OC (Officer's Club) on that June day where it was announced that SAC, TAC, and MAC would be disbanded and reformed into ACC and AMC. I don't really remember a dry eye on that one

[@StreakinBill]

I think the unofficial SAC motto was, “Peace is Our Profession, War is Our Hobby.”

[@videographer1KIK]

I worked on the B-52 in Andersen AFB, Guam and on the C-130 in Little Rock AFB, Arkansas! SAC STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND Persian Gulf War

[@Pulsatyr]

I grew up in Northeast Ohio in the 70s and 80s. Even though it was the opposite corner of the state from Wright-Patterson AFB, contrails filled the sky and just about every kind of aircraft in the inventory could be seen in a week's time. Low passes were actually common, too as planes went into Akron, Cleveland, Canton and even the Ravenna Arsenal. Trucks carrying jet engines were a common sight and everyone knew a few people in the aerospace industry. We knew that every major city in the state was targeted by Ivan because of the Defense industry. I slept easy even with the jet noise, knowing you guys were on guard. Thanks for keeping the kids safe!

[@jamesstuart5099]

Spent many hours working 63 ~67in the Altus Command post.

[@sumbeech1484]

Pre-Bone days! Spent many a hour watching the mighty FB-111 taking off in full afterburner---- Wing attack plan "R" boyz!

[@trplpwr]

I remember when when my Dad's squadron was put on alert and "scrambled" during the Cuban missile crisis. B-47's , B-52's, and B-58's. Half and hour later you could still smell the jet exhaust. Awesome!!

[@SoloPilot6]

The smell of charcoal starter always takes me back to those days

[@michaelkozik3468]

Its really not awesome. My father and several of his friends are not right in the head, after having manned planes with enough fireworks to end the world. That level of alert, unknowing and anxiety has screwed up a lot of people. It's not awesome and it's not cool that humanity got to and remains at that point.

[@chuckberlin4605]

Michael Kozik: Your points are important; your father's messed -up mind is sad and true reading. Thanks for commenting.

[@eddieschwab864]

The cool thing is today probably much the same thing can be done but having drone tracking aircraft up there, monitored On The Ground by human crew, to initially watch for anything coming and then just scramble the manned aircraft if necessary if something is detected that would justify human intervention or require the aircraft to go to failsafe points etc.... of course satellite tracking helps make up for a lot of that but whether an actual regular aircraft in the sky or a drone aircraft monitored by humans on the ground nothing beats actual eyes watching the sky

[@Richard-lh8jq]

ArmyBrat here. In Augsburg Germany 1961for building of BerlinWall, Cuban Affair, JFK assassination. We landed back at JFK opposite end from The Beatles Jan 1964.

[@NeutronRob]

Grew up as a kid next to Mather AFB, CA. They had the 320th Bomb Wing based there and we used to watch in awesome the B-52s scramble.

[@captjim007]

Lived in the flight path of Castle AFB during the 70's and 80's. One evening a B52 came over our house so low I could clearly see the pilots faces. Yes it shook the house.

[@charlesmartin351]

When I served in SAC the B-52s never actually took off during a scramble exercise - since they were always fully loaded they only ever taxied down the runway and then returned to the alert pad. SAC had learned a few painful lessons in the late 50s and early 60s regarding flying around with a belly full of destruction.

[@Hey_its_Bella3]

Usually after the exercise they would download the bombs and have a mass launch the base would be off 12s accept for maintainers

[@usafvet100]

Ours did the full MITO during our IG inspection

[@usafvet100]

The incidents in Greenland and off the coast of Spain put an end to CHROMEDOME in which nuke Laden BUFFs were on airborne patrol 24/7. Apart from the inherent risk you mention, it put enormous strain on the aircraft and crews which multiplied the risk factor. Better to keep them cocked and locked on the Alert Pad, ready at all times to MITO and proceed to their targets.

[@markhamersly1664]

When I was in SAC in the early '70s, it was about three cockpit alerts to one launch. Beale AFB, with the 456 BW (mixed wing, B-52Fs and Gs) as well as the 9SRW with the SR-71. Hammer

[@usafvet100]

@@markhamersly1664 We had a blackbird make an emergency landing at Grand Forks, ND in the winter of 1982-83. A team from Beale had to fly in with the crew and parts to make the repairs, must have been quite a shock for the team from sunny Cali to have to work in the subzero Temps of the upper Midwest. 🥶🥶🥶

[@owensweetland342]

I was on a TAC base in 1978. F-111D model was the base aircraft. Loved it. Afterburners at night were awesome.

[@the_g_thing7489]

They had this video playing at the march air field museum in California, just so happened to get this recommended to me after wanting to look for it.

[@gabeusaf5483]

Strategic Air Command, 15th Air Force, 93rd Bomb Wing, 93rd Security Police Squadron! SAC Elite Gate Guard Section, Giant Sword, Peacekeeper Challenge, Olympic Arena and Volant Scorpion...

[@Senor0Droolcup]

As an American, this makes me very proud. It could also make for an awesome MST3K episode...

[@rayheatley9910]

I was in SAC from 66 to 69 and most of the ORI's did not lead to a takeoff. All of the ORI's were taken very seriously by everyone. If a base failed an ORI the commanders may be replaced and airmen might not get a day off for months. Ask the airmen working at Altus AFB Oklahoma in 1966 about failing an ORI.

[@anthonycbudd]

What happened?

[@Rocdog]

Love seeing BUFF’s crab walking.

[@trob0914]

Been there, seen that! Was a witness to ORI and other excercises at March AFB(SAC) in the 70's, I was a "Close-In" sentry in the Alert" Área with both B52s and KC135 tankers, Klaxons get your heart pumping! *Boy I Miss SAC!!

[@JCD275]

So what would have your role been in war time?

[@trob0914]

@@JCD275 We would deploy to alternate sites or forward bases elsewhere in the U.S./ world. If the “SHF”, it wouldn’t much matter though!!

[@JCD275]

@@trob0914 Yeah I wonder how much of the protect and survive stuff was propaganda. I think no matter how deep the bunker there was zero chance of survival

[@joenop3393]

You young troops need to notice how much faster the old school Troops are compared to todays Troops when the Alert goes off.

[@joelt2105]

And that's why I sleep well at night. I loved my time in the Air Force and I am glad that they are still there, keeping the watch. Thanks Boys!

[@carlosjohansen401]

RATO. Rocket Assisted Take-Off. Invented and developed by a brilliant, eccentric genius by the name of John "Jack" Parsons. Parsons held no college degree but served on the advisory board of the JPL Labs in Pasadena CA. There is an excellent book detailing his life in developing solid fuel rockets ; "Sex and Rockets." Parsons used to make pyrotechnic mixtures for the film studios in Hollywood until one afternoon while mixing up a batch of fulminate of Mercury ( a primary high-explosive ) that he blew himself up in his home's basement. A fitting end to an odd genius who developed RATO (still used today on commercial airliners, mostly out of the international airport in Mexico City).

[@larrybaird2129]

My Dad was a bombardier on the old B-17s Flying Fortress. I fell in love with the bomer. The way it looked,how it flew,and how it released its bombes. I saw every movie and TV show that was or had the B-17 in it. Bad ass plane. 12:00 High one of my favorite TV shows. I am sowing my age. :-) Then I saw the B-52. I call the B-52 a B-17 on steroids. I fell in love again. with a flying pencil. :-)A bigger and better bad ass. The only problem. Not much in the way of movies or TV shows.

[@phantomf4747]

I remember as a kid when Mather was a SAC base. Once a month minimum we'd see the short interval take offs of practice alerts. 4 nuke laden B52G's and 4 filled to the rivets KC135's screaming down 22L. I got to watch from the alert road once because my pops still had his top-secret clearance. MAN what a sight and the sound was spectacular.

[@blueseanomad7435]

1:24 "Um, sir. I'm sure you know what's inbound. Can you move a little faster?"

[@SoloPilot6]

Generals don't "move a little faster." He has plenty of time, and lower grades get nervous when they see someone wearing stars rushing -- it means something went wrong. His number one job at that moment is to project calm confidence: "The system is working. Do your jobs. We've practiced this a hundred times. This is probably just another drill. Maintain an even strain. Dammit, I had a golf game set for 1300, this is going to mess up my lunch, but other than that, it's no big deal. Just another Tuesday morning at SAC. All that damn paperwork will still be here when I get back. Routine, just routine, so keep your cool . . ."

[@richardtallent8175]

Reminds me of growing up near Davis Monthan airforce base in Tucson, Arizona back in 60's, & 70s.

[@freeamericausa1]

The pickup trucks at the beginning appear to be late 70's, early 80's.

[@mikebrannick8932]

They also show at least one B-47 and several FB-111s..So, not labeled or described accurately, but still fun to watch. I'm a retired Air Force Major/B-521 pilot.

[@joelt2105]

That was not a "Scramble" of B-52's. That was a "Denver Omelet", Sir.

[@TyJoyZee]

I see no B-47's; only B52's & FB-111's....

[@setnaffa]

@@TyJoyZee There was one tanker, not 47s...

[@geraldmorain3166]

Crew chief G model two years younger than me

[@geraldmorain3166]

Nobody liked crew chiefs

[@nordan00]

Brings back memories of good times and good laughs! Mather/Griffiss

[@chazmoore9005]

For me, this brings back 1974-6 when I was one of the people shown in the first 14 seconds of this video. Command and Control specialist for the 96 Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB. SAC ORI--wake everybody up and launch everything that will fly. Watching all those B-52Ds startup with canisters blackening the sky. I'd love to have a video of that.

[@Mr1westie1]

Was there till '78. Been there and done that. ORI's and Busy Razorbacks- all the same. Didn't mind alert duty.

[@frankjennings4849]

@@Mr1westie1 Same here. I was in MAC, when Sac had an ORI, we participated right along side SAC. The first 15 min determined if it were a drill or the real deal.

[@allgood6760]

I can't imagine this in real life!

[@MostafaMansoori]

Very nice, love this stuff, amazing.

[@cahtube76]

The date of this must be before 1981. Notice Gen Ellis boarding and them stating the the Commander of SAC would join the already airborne command post aircraft.

[@rdfox76]

Early part of 1980 for "First Strike"; footage reused for 1984's "The Day After".

[@russvoight1167]

28th FMS welding shop, Aug 1976 to Dec 1979

[@murrygandy6546]

Shades of SAC ORI at Minot AFB 5th Bomb Wing mid 1970s. Good times.

[@ripcord1022]

Let;s get this thing on the hump we got some flying to do! They used different audio for the B-52 jet sounds as they were getting airborne

[@rohnkd4hct260]

I remember going onto SJAFB and seeing the sign under the stoplights that told you if light (under the stoplight) was flashing to move over and give room.

[@Mylitla]

Sitting in the base theater watching Ghost Busters II when the film suddenly stopped and a still slide came up that read "SAC ALERT" the alert force crew in the reserved section of the auditorium dropped their popcorn and dashed for their pickup. Moments later, the movie started up like nothing happened. Just another day at the office for the Strategic Air Command.

[@joelt2105]

I was lucky to have been stationed at Offutt, AFB. Loved seeing that SAC patch on my uniform!

[@scootertooter6874]

I was "SACumsized" 1983-87...changed my life. I was at Whiteman AFB, on ICBM crew...This crap of changing from the AFGSC to USSTRATCOM during the elevator ride down is BS...there needs to be single nuke strike command once again!!!!

[@amkrause2004]

@@grampsto2 Well if it makes you feel any better. Pretending to have a mission, you TAC people sure did do a great job in the 1991 Gulf War.

[@amkrause2004]

@@grampsto2 Oh ok. Well it was still an honor to have your fighters at SAC bases. Minot had the delta darts but when we moved up there the second time they switched to the F15.

[@usafvet100]

1980 looks about right for this vid, I was a firefighter at Grand Forks, ND in 1982-83. The BUFFs pictured here are G and H models and are equipped with FLIR and EVS pods. Our BUFFs also had the white underneath/ 3 tone camo on top paint scheme featured here.

[@syberwolf3947]

usafvet100 whats a BUFF?

[@sethkimmel7312]

or big ugly fat feller if women and children present... like the profane version better though...LOL!

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

The B-52, lovingly called the "BUFF", or Big Ugly Fat Fucker.

[@heribertawells9297]

Miss those birds worked on KC135 at Altus AFB OK IFR maintenance 75-78

[@OldCBnGuns]

Pretty much me going to work everyday running around

[@charlesberndt8230]

FB-111 in that role

[@geraldmorain3166]

Cleaning those breaches was brutal some days

[@FlyinZX10R]

Castle AFB 93rd Bombardment Wing (SAC & ATC) 1991-1995. Fuels Specialist. Though I did get to go on a KC-135 and operate the boom to refuel an F-117. It’s super loud and freezing cold onboard those planes. I went up to the cockpit and asked the pilot if I could fly the plane. He looked at me like “I don’t think so”.

[@MikeGoesBadaBoom]

You didn’t want to hear that siren. Apocalypse is 30 minutes away

[@timothydawson4998]

One HELL of an adrenaline rush.....shaking like a leaf.....sometimes out of a sound sleep.

[@mikehillsgrove1612]

Been there, done that. 596 BMS 2BW 8th Air Force Barksdale La. Navigator.

[@Richard-lh8jq]

According to Plattsburgh (NY) AFBase (1954-1995) Museum website, THIS sequence was filmed there at 44N Lat, 100km S of Montreal. Now the site of PBG International Aeroport, about 25mi. NW of BTV, Burlington VT, Home of TheGreenMountainBoys Air Natl Guard. Now Boarding at Gate ...

[@Richard-lh8jq]

PS: Be Advised: On the Old PAFBase (East of US-9), inside the1930's era RedBrickChapel sanctuary is an AlertLamp. Please plan your prayers accordingly. That is all ... Endorsed by GOD.

[@Richard-lh8jq]

For reference, the above comments were posted THURS 17JUNE2021 @08:30HRS EDT and remain accurate ... until changed ...

[@towringer]

I passed by Plattsburgh AFB in 1993 after it was shut down. There were no aircraft, but one could still see the bunkers where the crews were housed. I could just imagine the alert crews bursting out through those doors and running for their vehicles to board the bombers.

[@journeystarr]

very cool

[@jrc1041]

The BUFFs in this vid were a mix of D's, G's, and H's, which were the three B-52 models on active duty when it was made. I'm pretty sure the D footage was the 22nd bomb wing at March.

[@russvoight1167]

The H model segment was 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, SD

[@tigolbitties8352]

Off the ground in less than 2 minutes. Incredible.

[@thatguyinelnorte]

Beautiful SIOP camo...

[@darrell1955]

I was in wright patterson at 12; like b52 a amazing aircraft very fuel eater however a work horse and been retro fitted like our old battel ship's comeback to kickass

[@darrell1955]

Inm 68 hope don't forget we will kick ass if I remember correctly we never lost one manger battle in Vietnam was public oppion lost it

[@darrell1955]

Watching b52 badass fuill burning bitch

[@schoolssection]

Several of the B-52s look more like FB-111s and C-135s.

[@jayrob121]

any of these types of videos from mid 1980's? most of the ones on youtube are from 50's and 60's or this one which looks like 1980.

[@c.g.3931]

What year is this film?

[@Dra741]

Thanks General Malay he's the one that tweaked our strategic arm to its absolute precision

[@barrygrant2907]

General LeMay.

[@trkdigital5685]

cool..

[@okrajoe]

Thanks

[@AC_WILDCARD]

That is some damn good videography!

[@robertvalderaz7329]

Awww the Good Old Days

[@jakubjanecki68]

1:47 what this music?

[@raymondyee2008]

Some of the scenes here were later used in ZDF's "World War 3: the movie".

[@brucekent1841]

Been there, done that.

[@bryancreech1236]

I love the smell of jet fuel!!!

[@charlesberndt8230]

we did it

[@jennymillbank]

COOL!!!

[@charlesberndt8230]

jennifer millbank that's why we had tankers

[@charlesberndt8230]

tankers

[@magicwand6746]

watching this made me realized how out of shape i am..

[@charlesberndt8230]

we all know apparently since we did it lol pickups called 6 packs and yes crew chiefs did fly we know carts etc

[@charlesberndt8230]

clarify: when launched off the pad we watched em go went to the next but SAC changed t the end and we flew.

[@fastsheep3964]

Global delevery. Anywhere, any time

[@geraldmorain3166]

Never had that music

[@geraldmorain3166]

And nobody ever got hurt

[@TheSirjohn2012]

The f111 fighters were retired just before we were entering this new decade we're in but don't know the year or the date. Can someone clarify this from me.?

[@pauljohnson3340]

TheSirjohn2012 They look like FB-111s, the strategic bomber version, and I do believe they were retired in 1991 or 1992.

[@KFTXBU86]

+TheSirjohn2012 FB-111s were transferred to TAC in 1991-1992. They were called F-111Gs at that point and were out of service by 1994. The last F-111s left the service in 1996 and the last EF-111s were out by 1998.

[@sasquatch1159]

+Kyle Ferguson The Australian air force used the F-111G's from 93-2007 too

[@HerkCC]

+AuGSasquatch wish both nations would bring them back.....we are on the razors edge of another event taking place without a ready deterrent force on ready alert status

[@TheSirjohn2012]

AugSasquatchI agree and our possible next war is with the Chinese who are creating turmoil near both the phillipines and japan let's not for get Vietnam too.We have to be committed in those areas otherwise.?

[@richintalent]

B-52s were most likely based at Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY

[@samsignorelli]

Not that I don't believe you (I was stationed at Griffiss in the mid 80s...485th EIG, so not flightline), but what makes you think they were Griffiss BUFFs? I don't remember that background around Able Row or that end of the runway. 'Course, it WAS almost 30 years ago.

[@teenagerinsac]

sam signorelli The first B-52 SRAM activation was at Griffiss in 81, but no video scenes with BUFF takeoffs are showing Griffiss in this video. Griffiss had a 4 hangar bay- 2 per side hangar building, which you don't see in this video at all.

[@michaelawise48]

richintalent This does look a lot like Fairchild AFB just outside Spokane , Wa .

[@donl5941]

The terrain in this video isn't Grif either. Upstate NY is far more green and the mountains aren't visible from the ground on the base. The mountains in this video are somewhere in the west.

[@verityweekly]

and Plattsburg

[@robertjones8598]

I’m here for the my fawthwa stories.

[@mikefournier2601]

We new more of them build them news ones just do it

[@lolshark99b49]

relics of a dying evil empire

[@geraldmorain3166]

Once airborne ?

[@charlesberndt8230]

remember?

[@geraldmorain3166]

Cart start

[@DrNo-uq7xx]

NKAWTG!

[@charlesberndt8230]

swing wing

[@extrasolar213]

lol

[@Henryk6203]

To be on alert, is the highest responsibility 0:07.?

[@charlesberndt8230]

who remembers the PAD? lol

[@charlesberndt8230]

mather? good grief

[@WootTootZoot]

Anderson AFB, Westover AFB, Blytheville AFB. Security Police.

[@alvinzeiss503]

Schilling AFB,Ks. 1957-61 Security police !!!!

[@soadj28]

What are the odds they are safely in the air before the attack hits?

[@StrayCatOrwell]

Depends how much warning they get. Bombers could be launched before enemy missiles were actually launched if the President decided the situation called for it. They would then proceed to holding positions until the decision was made to send them in. Nice thing about bombers; unlike missiles, they can be recalled with no harm done.

[@charlesberndt8230]

FB-111

[@geraldmorain3166]

Looks different from the inside

[@oriolesfan61]

Did the B52s get fighter escorts?

[@setnaffa]

Wouldn't have helped. Buff targets were FAR outside fighter range...

[@charlesmartin351]

@@setnaffa Whaaaat?!!!

[@charlesmartin351]

During Linebacker I and Linebacker II over Vietnam, yes. But, during a scramble exercise (which this video depicts), no.

[@cartman4885]

No one else in the world can accomplish this..................

[@optimisticfuture6808]

Hilarious. Love the buzzer. I bet somebody kicked it making it stop

[@grauwolf1604]

Ach, wir (US-)Amerikaner, wie sind wir doch gut!

[@geraldmorain3166]

WHY

[@mstreet1000]

The best part in this is the music. Of course this is 2018 so it's a little different red flag now.

[@bdv861]

General Jack D. Ripper would be proud of those boys.

[@rrhone]

No hounddogs on the B52's? This clip is years old but interesting still. thanks

[@nonovyerbusiness9517]

You could have copied the whole video this came from. Too much work?

[@briancooper2112]

All that smoke for ground guys, I feel sorry for those guys. I wonder how many got cancer.