By Christopher Miskimon

The Cold War never became hot in part due to the efforts of the US Strategic Air Command (SAC). While some of its leaders were decidedly hawkish in their views, their preparation for war and ability to demonstrate SAC’s capabilities to the Soviets were a constant reminder that peace was preferable. Operation Chrome Dome kept nuclear-armed B-52 bombers in the air on a constant basis for eight years, showing the Soviet Union how America could swiftly retaliate against any aggression using overwhelming force. The program ended after a serious accident near Palomares, Spain and the rising capability of the ICBM missile force showed its time had passed. Thousands of airmen flew these missions at great risk.

This book highlights the risks taken by those aircrew, balanced against what was known or suspected at the time. The author does a creditable job balancing what was known about Soviet capabilities versus reality. The book is also full of technical information and summaries of how SAC leaders planned and prepared for a dangerous mission they nevertheless felt was critically necessary.

Chrome Dome 1960-68: The B-52’s high-stakes Cold War nuclear operation (Peter E. Davies, Osprey Publishing, Oxford UK, 2024, 96 pp., maps, photographs, bibliography, index, $25.00, softcover)