Little - Keep Trees

From 1958 to 1961, the 70th Strategic Reconnaissance
Wing took on a training mission in addition to its
reconnaissance missions. The wing was also briefly
assigned an operational bombing mission in the B-47,
but was subsequently discontinued in 1962 before being
assigned to Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base in
Oklahoma. Today, the 70th Intelligence Wing at Fort
Meade, Md. carries on the wing’s lineage. Many of the
70th’s aircrew members were transferred
to the 384th, along with
responsibility for the base itself.
In January 1961, construction
began on 18 underground silos to
house Titan II Intercontinental
Ballistic Missiles. While construction
on the silos continued, the
308th Strategic Missile Wing activated,
organized and began
preparing for its strategic deterrence
role at Little Rock AFB.
Three years later on Jan 1, 1964,
the 308th completed its first full
operational day with missiles on
alert in all 18 silos. Qualified crews
would staff and support the missiles
24 hours a day for the next 23 years.
In 1962, the Arkansas Air
National Guard arrived at Little
Rock AFB. Formerly operating out
of Adams Field in Little Rock, the
154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron began
moving operations out to the base, bringing with it a
venerable tradition as a combat unit. Just a month
12 Little Rock Air Force Base History
Secretary Quarles and General LeMay arrive
for the dedication of Little Rock Air Force Base.
Oct. 9, 1955.
(U.S. Air Force photo)
later, it was reorganized under the 189th Tactical
Reconnaissance Group, flying RF-101s.
In response to the Pueblo Crisis of 1968, the
group’s 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was
activated and deployed in its RF-101 reconnaissance
planes to Japan. There, Arkansas’ Airmen provided tactical
reconnaissance services during an extended period
of diplomatic tension.
Everett Tucker returns from Washington with an
agreement that if the land is donated, the Air Force
will build a base. Jan. 12, 1952.
(U.S. Air Force photo)
LITTLE ROCK 2013 AFB GUIDE