Operation reflex the B-47 in action

On October 1st, 1957, the Strategic Air Command commenced an overseas alert operation, called Reflex Action, with twenty B-47 nuclear-capable bombers deployed to Sidi Slimane Air Base in Morocco. This number would greatly expand over the course of the operation and include many more bases, including Torrejon, Moron and Zaragoza in Spain. Reflex operations would rotate bomber and refueling aircraft and crews to overseas bases where they would be disbursed away from CONUS and be within striking distance of their targets. The Reflex mission ended on March 31st, 1965

"Reflex" missions proved the long-endurance (eighteen hours) and long-range capability of the B-47 and aircrews. These were "simulated strike missions against the then Soviet enemy"

The B-47 was the first line of Americas strategic nuclear deterrent, often operating from forward bases in the UK, Morocco, Spain, B-47s were often…