In the 50's didn't nuke warheads fly around the intercontinental U.S. because

[lonestarnot]

we didn't have intercontinental ballistic missiles? They prollee didn't know where all of them were then either. Not making light of August 30 sicheation, but just wondering.

[Ian David]

1. Having them continuously in the air meant they couldn't be destroyed on the ground.

And yes, more than once, they accidentally fell off the planes on U.S. soil, or over the ocean.

Also, our interstate highway system is designed so that intercontinental bombers can land, re-fuel, and re-load for a second strike in the event that their bases are destroyed in a nuclear war.

Like there would be anyone left alive to re-load them, even if the bombers were to make it back home somehow.

[northzax]

2. urban legend

there is no connection between interstate highways and landing strips.

[Ian David]

3. Seriously? Oh, wow... you're right!

American Interstate Highways As Military Landing Strips (Facts)
Submitted Sun, Feb 13, 2005 by Raus

More Road TidbitsI found this little Urban Legend and thought it was interesting, simply because I always thought it was true.

Claim: The American interstate highway system was designed to be used for emergency airstrips in case of war.

Status: False.

Origins: Numerous folks swear Interstate highways in the United States must be designed so that one mile in every five is perfectly straight and flat. According to this whispered bit of facetious lore, if the U.S. ever comes under attack, those straight, flat stretches will be used as landing strips.

Continued on Snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/autos/law/airstrip.asp

More:
http://www.digihitch.com/article631.html

[lonestarnot]

4. lemme know what you find.

Getting busy now. I gotsta go. :hug:

[Ian David]

5. You were right. Thanks! n/t

[Bitwit1234]

6. Any body ever been to Barksdale AFB??

My son was stationed there during the late 1970's and my husband visited him. We took the dog and went to the picnic area. When my son arrived he said why did you pick this area? Did you want to see the bunkers. I asked what bunkers...and he said oh, the bunkers for the nuclear missiles. They were right over about 200 yards in between the tables. I told my husband to let's get the hell out of there.

Now that was I suppose before the National Security rush. But it did give you an eerie feeling, you can bet on it.

[lonestarnot]

10. Nope never been there.

[jmowreader]

7. That was one of the big themes of Dr. Strangelove

It was called the Airborne Alert Indoctrination Program.

[lonestarnot]

8. Me thinks I recall this.

[lonestarnot]

9. kick