Reclassification Speech: Paul Stromborg

Paul Stromborg's reclassification talk focused on his time in the U.S. Air Force; he flew tankers and other aircraft for the Strategic Air Command, at a time when this unit stood ready to be launched into World War III.

Paul recounted the tenor of the times during the Cold War, as the USAF geared up for a potential all-out nuclear war. The security measures necessary for protecting nuclear armed aircraft were extensive; planes not in use were constantly guarded, along with their nuclear ordinance, and no one person was allowed to be on board by themselves.

At times during the Cold War, crews were on active duty around the clock; at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, planes were manned 24-7, ready to be launched. Drills were frequent, although after some time the practice of actually taking off during a drill -- and risking damage to the nuclear arsenal -- came to an end.

The end of the Cold War saw SAC disband; but Paul notes that there remain other nuclear-related threats -- from extremist groups, rogue nations and others who have managed to obtain nuclear material. He says a good portion of the nuclear weaponry developed in that era is not secure.