Air Force Denies B-52 Nuclear Bomber Alert Report

The Air Force is not putting B-52 nuclear bombers on a 24-hour alert, the Air Force said Monday, and noted that a misunderstanding could have led to a report that said such preparations were in the works.

"We are not planning or preparing to put B-52s back on alert," said Ann Stefanek, chief of Air Force media operations, according to the Washington Examiner.

Updates to facilities, exercises, and training regarding the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana are a routine to keep the service prepared, Stefanek said.

The long-range B-52 bombers have not been on around-the-clock alert since the Cold War ended in 1991, the Examiner noted.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said preparations were under way in anticipation that a 24-hour ready alert might come, Defense One reported on Sunday.

• Air Force: No Plans to Recall Retired Pilots to Fix Shortage
• Japanese Defense Minister Sounds Alarm on North Korea