Throughout the 1950s, the Strategic Air Command used the base as a training facility and stationed aircraft on full-time alert duty for national defense.

The 86 TFW resumed alert duties on 1 April 1987.

Crews on alert duty would typically be on alert for seven days out of a 21 day period, while being on rotational alert duty.

On setup at Larson, the squadron resumed alert duties and training under the command of the 4170th Strategic Wing.

Pilots also took turns on alert duty in case an unidentified aircraft was spotted on radar coming towards French Morocco.

He organizes education, alert duty and supplies within these buildings.

Inactivated in 1971 due to a reduction of the number of B-52 wings, as ICBMs were taking over the nuclear alert duty.

Ended B-52 alert duties in September 1992, and ended bombardment mission in 1994.

During their alert duty, they would fly training missions to occupy the time and keep their skills sharpened.

In September 1991 with the end of the Cold War, President Bush ordered a stand down of all nuclear alert duties.