US Air Force gears up to put nuclear bombers on 24-hour alert

During the height of the Cold War, B-52 bombers armed with nuclear warheads were stationed and ready for action 24 hours a day. Now the US Air Force is getting ready should this reality return.

A U.S. B52 plane (R) flies during Exercise Eager Lion at one of the Jordanian military bases in Zarqa, east of Amman, Jordan, May 24, 2016.

A U.S. B52 plane (R) flies during Exercise Eager Lion at one of the Jordanian military bases in Zarqa, east of Amman, Jordan, May 24, 2016.

(photo credit: MUHAMMAD HAMED / REUTERS)

ByHAGAY HACOHEN

OCTOBER 23, 2017 13:19

Updated: OCTOBER 23, 2017 14:24