TOP STORY >> 913th Airlift Group

By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 913th Airlift Group is Little Rock Air Force Base’s most recent addition to the combat airlift mission. In a ceremony July 13, 2014, the Air Force Reserve Command deactivated 22nd Air Force, Detachment One and the 913th AG stood up. As a result of the Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative, the 50th Airlift Squadron under the 19th Airlift Wing is an associate unit of the 327th AS under the 913th AG.

“The Air Force’s Total Force Integration means a conglomerate between the Reserve, Guard and active duty,” said 2nd Lt. John Sessoms, a 913th AG executive officer. “It exemplifies the joint effort by integrating Guard, Reserve and active duty to become one team.”   

The new AG was authorized to grow to approximately 805 Airmen and civilians in fiscal year 2015.  Approximately 28 percent of the members work full time as Air Reserve Technicians and Civil Servants, while the remainder perform as Traditional Reservists, training to defend our national interests.  

The 913th AG is a self-sufficient group and consists of the following squadrons:

The 327th Airlift Squadron

The 913th Operations Support Squadron 

The 913th Maintenance Squadron 

The 96th Aerial Port Squadron

The 913th Force Support Squadron  

The 913th Aerospace Medicine Squadron 

The 913th is still growing and will be fully operational in the near future. Currently, they have 12 C-130H2 aircraft ready to support any operational needs and contingency operations worldwide.  

Starting from scratch is no easy task. Although the 913th has officially been established, there are still many requirements to meet. This includes having the proper tools, supplies, equipment and Airmen to perform the mission. 

“Our main focus is training our Airmen, and procuring equipment,” said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Brekken, 50th AS maintenance superintendent.

The 913th is currently gathering tools, equipment and facilities to become self-sufficient. They are also in the process of recruiting and training Airmen to support the mission. As the 19th AW down-sizes its C-130H fleet, the 913th AG is acquiring the specific H-model tools and equipment necessary from the 19th AW, in order to effectively carry out their mission.

 “This has been a very effective partnership,” said Brekken. “It saved a lot of money, because we didn’t have to have equipment shipped to us from somewhere else, the equipment was right here on base, given to us by our partners.”

The group relies on their partnerships to fulfill their mission requirements. Almost half of the current maintainers have come from the 19th AW. The 19th AW will also assist with back shops, including aerospace ground equipment, sheet metal, non-destructive inspections, heavy maintenance and more.

While the 913th AG is still establishing continuity, eventually the 19th AW will be able to evenly disperse the heavy responsibility of combat airlift with their partners and count on the 913th for effective air support. 

CLASSIFIEDS >> 103114

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

10 HOMES NEEDED NOW!! For Siding, Windows or Roofs for our upcoming winter brochure. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. No money down. 100% Financing. Payments as low as $89/mo. CALL NOW!!!! 1-866-668-8681 to qualify.**

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant at Ayers! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you ready. HS Diploma/GED & Internet Required. 1-888-734-6717 Licensed by ASBPCE.**

DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS? TRAIN TO BE  a Veterinary Technician,  800.383-4959, www.ChangeLives.com. Heritage College, 1309 Old Forge Dr. LR,  Heritage has applied for accreditation by the AVMA-Committee on Veterinary Tech Education and Activities. For important program info: please visit www.heritage-education.com/disclosures.**

WORLD'S LARGEST GUN SHOW - November 8 & 9 - Tulsa, OK Fairgraounds. Saturday, 8-6, Sunday, 8-4. WANENMACHER PRODUCTIONS. Free appraisals. Bring your guns! www.TulsaArmsShow.com.**

SERVICES

DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT children $125.00. Includes name change and property settlement agreement.  SAVE hundreds. Fast and easy.  Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7.**

REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-474-0423.**

DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-393-5829.**

HELP WANTED

$725 WEEK, no experience, air quality testing, 10-15 openings. Must be 18 and have reliable transportation. Paid weekly. Call for interview, Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm, (501) 605-1303.

DRIVERS: CLASS A CDL, company values built on dependability, safety & technology. DriveTransland.com, 866-374-8487.

WANTED: EXPERIENCED pet groomer. Competitive pay, clean, well organized grooming space, plenty of clients. Must have grooming tools, friendly, cheerful personality, a desire to work with animals & be able to lift 50 lbs. References required. Contact Trudy (501) 944-6975, e-mail: goldentouchgrooming@gmail.com

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Nurse Practitioners  - to care for patients within skilled care communities  of Morrilton, Wynne, Magnolia/Taylor, Benton, Malvern, Monticello/Lake Village, Walnut Ridge/Pocahontas, Carlisle/Brinkley/Hazen, and Dewitt/England.  F-T, M-F, daytime, exc. compensation & benefits pkg, comprehensive training &  clinical support. Seeking ANPs, FNPs, GNPs or ACNPs with compassion.  Work independently in  non-clinic, hospital-like setting.  PHS develops and supports the practice, while the Nurse Practitioner implements that practice within the facility. Resume to Debbie.Genereaux@ProviderHealthServices.net or call (901) 603-8704.**

ATTN: DRIVERS - NEW KENWORTH TRUCKS! APU Equipped. Earn up to 50 cpm Plus Bonuses! Full Benefits + Rider/Pet Program.  CDL-A Req - 877-258-8782. www.ad-drivers.com.**

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YARD SALES

MOVING SALE, 11/1, 7 am-1 pm, 90 Magness Creek Dr., Cabot. Everything must go!

GARAGE SALE, 10/31 & 11/1, 7 am-? 19 Woodiel Dr., Cabot. Lots of stuff & bargains. Early Christmas gifts.

LARGE YARD sale, 11/1, 7 am-2 pm, beside Westgate Baptist on Dupree Dr. Lots of everything, odds n ends, clothes.

2-FAMILY YARD sale, 11/1, 7 am-? 103 Quincy, Jax. (Stonewall), Lots of goodies & Christmas gifts.

HORSES

HORSES: LUCKY Acres Boarding Stable, TLC for your horse, box stalls and paddocks, clean pastures, indoor and outdoor arenas, riding instruction and training program. Dressage our specialty. (501) 988-2458.

AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2008 DODGE Ram 1500, strong running truck, great daily driver, approx. 102,000 miles, $14,500 obo. (501) 256-4281.

2013 SUBARU, BRZ Limited, lightning red, twin to Scion FRS, tinted windows, 3,277 miles, $24,000 firm. Pics. avail. (501) 743-8732.

(4) TIRES, like new, Yokohama Avid S34, P205/60/16, $350. (501) 680-4297.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 VULCAN 500, 3,254 miles, new tires & battery 10/13, $2,800 obo. (405) 795-9294.

ITEMS FOR SALE

PIPE THREADER, ratcheting hand-type, 1/8" thru 1 1/4" dies w/reamer & pipe cutter, $35. 847-1545, Bryant.

MOBILE HOMES

MOBILE HOME OUTSWING DOORS - $169, Combo doors $299, Skirting $7.25, Tubs, $160, Toilets, $75, 501-993-3144.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

Jacksonville - $0 Deposit - 1, 2 & 3 bedroom MH's in nice, quiet, safe park, $400-$600 per month. "One bedroom includes utilities."  Call (501) 472-4100.

2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home, newly remodeled, gas & water paid, no mowing. $525 + security. (501) 988-5187.

DOUBLE WIDE mobile home, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, central heat & air conditioning, cook stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer & dryer. Close to air base back gate. (501) 912-0908.

ROOMMATE WANTED: Separate living quarters, female preferred, references required. $350 month plus deposit. North Lake area. (501) 951-8088.

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR sale in Ward: 1384 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, stained cabinets, new HVAC, new appliances, new water heater, on 1/2 acre, $89,300. (501) 605-2790, no texts.

FEATURE >> 16-pound burden

By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Jason Caswell, a 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, loves spending time with his wife and kids as well as playing rugby. 

At age 28, Caswell was an athlete who was well on his way to becoming an Air Force rugby player. From there, his dream was to take the next step of joining the USA rugby team. 

During his third season of playing, however, his dream came to a bone-shattering halt. 

While stationed in England, Caswell was playing rugby when he wasn’t on the flightline working as a crew chief. 

While playing in a match, Caswell was tackled to the ground. According to Caswell, the opposing player intentionally tried injuring him by sliding into his leg.

“After I was tackled, I kept trying to get up and run but I kept falling over,” said Caswell. “I could not figure out why I couldn’t stand up.”

Caswell was suffering from a compound fracture. Every time he tried to get up, his tibia, which was protruding out of his right leg, was digging into the ground. He needed medical attention immediately.

While paramedics debated over whether to transport him to the base or the local hospital, Caswell was slowly bleeding out. His teammates, who were by his side, did not realize they were kneeling in a six-foot-wide pool of blood. After more than an hour of lying on the rugby pitch, Caswell was taken to the base hospital in an ambulance. During the ride he flat-lined twice.  

Since the disastrous event, Caswell has gone through eight surgeries to repair his leg. After most of the surgeries, Caswell was back to work in less than a month, sometimes as soon as two weeks. Over the course of four years, Caswell and his family moved from place to place and hospital to hospital, continuing the procedures and enduring the disappointment and lack of progress of each one. The Caswell family was mentally and physically exhausted and Jason was still in pain. 

When Caswell came to Little Rock Air Force Base, he decided it was time for a new approach. He met with his new doctor and in Sept. 2014, the Caswell family had made a very important and life changing decision. It was time to remove his leg. 

Caswell was tired of feeling like a burden to his family. Every step he took, sharp, stunning pain shot up his leg. 

 “After four years of doing this, four years of difficulty, pain and surgeries I asked myself, ‘am I letting everyone down?,’” said Caswell hesitantly. “These doctors, nurses and therapists have worked so hard trying to fix my leg and now I am just going to cut it off.”

Caswell’s wife, Tami, reassured him that he was doing the right thing.

“I told him, ‘you fought as hard as you could, your body has made this decision, not you,’” she said. “Your leg has said ‘enough’.” 

Oct. 17, 2014, Caswell was prepared for his ninth, and hopefully last surgery.

“Nobody ever wants to lose a leg, but after four years of pain, four years I will never get back with my kids, I know it’s time,” he said. “You don’t get back time, so why wait? Why give up extra time trying to fix something that is not fixable? I am ready for a better quality of life.”

Tami gave her husband a kiss and told him she would see him in a bit, a tradition that they have carried alongside all the surgeries they had been through together. As Caswell rolled toward the operating room, he had a big smile on his face knowing he was making the right decision for his family and himself.

Two days after the amputation, Caswell was already playing and racing the kids in the living room using his walker. His daughter Raevyn, and son, Charlie, are looking forward to going hunting with their dad and being able to play with him again.

“It’s a relief,” said Caswell, joyfully, as he moved his bandaged leg around. “The other night I was doing pushups and back leg lifts. I was having fun because I can do this stuff now and it doesn’t hurt. The doctor took a 16-pound burden off of me.”  

Caswell is thankful for all the support he received from his wife and children, but also the support he received from the Air Force Wounded Warrior adaptive sports program. 

“I participated in the Warrior Games and that’s when I met a lot of guys who were going, or had gone through some rough times,” said Caswell. “That’s when I realized I was not alone. I knew I could get through this. The adaptive sports program taught me that your life is not over, you just have to adapt and overcome.”

Looking into the future, the Caswell family is ready to start a new chapter in their lives and make new memories. While the surgery was successful, the family still has a long road ahead of them. Caswell has hopes of being fitted with a prosthetic leg by the end of November, and will undergo therapy until he is able to walk with his new leg. 

“I can’t tell you what I’m going to be doing in the future because everything is open now,” said Caswell. “I would love to go back to being a crew chief again and do my job. The sky is the limit.”

TOP STORY >> 19th Airlift Wing wins Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Airlift Wing has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from Aug. 1, 2012 – July 31, 2014. 

The 19th AW and all supporting groups and squadrons contributed to the success of the award by demonstrating their ability to optimally perform peacetime and wartime missions. The 19th AW is the world’s largest C-130 wing and base in the Department of Defense and is comprised of four groups, 21 squadrons and 17 staff agencies. 

From supporting the combat airlift mission around the world, disaster relief efforts, unit effectiveness inspections and presidential visits and air shows the 19th AW truly displays excellence in all they do and contributes significantly to the Department of Defense’s and the Air Force’s overall mission readiness. 

“I am extremely proud of you, your hard work and all of the amazing things you accomplish every day,” said Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “I’m thrilled that many outside of our organization have noticed your extraordinary efforts as well.”

TOP STORY >> An unconventional approach to SAPR awareness

By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Recently, a “Sex Signals” unique presentation recently took place at Little Rock Air Force Base. It taught Airmen about sexual assault prevention using non-traditional methods, and the program definitely garnered attention from the audience. 

“Sex Signals” is a live show that addresses serious issues like sexual assault, while emphasizing light-hearted dating and relationship woes.

The R-rated presentation included  role play with professional actors. The actors brought realistic circumstances to life using various scenarios that applied to married, single, committed and abstinent audience members.

“I’ve never seen a presentation like it,” said audience member Senior Airman Brittany Chismar, a 61st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “It had funny parts and really connected with Airmen by taking a real apporach to sexual assault and being relevant to our generation.”    

Currently, the evolving skit has approximately 24 actors that travel in pairs around the world to military installations, colleges and universities. Since its inception in 2001, 1.2 million people have seen the presentation.

Actors Kristen Pickering and Derante Parker performed three shows for more than 700 Little Rock Airmen.  

“We aim to address serious issues in a relevant way that Airmen will understand,” said Parker.  

During the performance, the pair addressed dating cues, miscommunication and challenged the stigma of not adhering to social gender roles.

The performers garnered the attention of Airmen through encouraging participa-tion and questions. Bystander intervention and definitions of sexual assault were two of the main talking points.  

 “When it comes to sex without consent, there should never be any confusion,” said Pickering. “There is no gray area, it is wrong and should never happen.”   

For more information on sexual assault awareness contact the SARC office at 501-987-2685. To report a sexual assault call 501-987-7272.

CLASSIFIEDS >> 102414

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

10 HOMES NEEDED NOW!! For Siding,Windows or Roofs for our upcoming winter brochure. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. No money down. 100% Financing. Payments as low as $89/mo. CALL NOW!!!! 1-866-668-8681 to qualify.**

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant at Ayers! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you ready. HS Diploma/GED & Internet Required. 1-888-734-6717 Licensed by ASBPCE.**

DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS? TRAIN TO BE  a Veterinary Technician,  800.383-4959, www.ChangeLives.com. Heritage College, 1309 Old Forge Dr. LR,  Heritage has applied for accreditation by the AVMA-Committee on Veterinary Tech Education and Activities. For important program info: please visit www.heritage-education.com/disclosures.**

SERVICES

REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-474-0423.**

DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-393-5829.**

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant at Ayers! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you ready. HS Diploma/GED & Internet Required. 1-888-734-6717 Licensed by ASBPCE.**

DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS? TRAIN TO BE  a Veterinary Technician,  800.383-4959, www.ChangeLives.com. Heritage College, 1309 Old Forge Dr. LR,  Heritage has applied for accreditation by the AVMA-Committee on Veterinary Tech Education and Activities. For important program info: please visit www.heritage-education.com/disclosures.**

HELP WANTED

$725 WEEK, no experience, air quality testing, 10-15 openings. Must be 18 and have reliable transportation. Paid weekly. Call for interview, Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm, (501) 605-1303.

DRIVERS: CLASS A CDL, company values built on dependability, safety & technology. DriveTransland.com, 866-374-8487.

DRIVERS- $2000 Bonus! Oilfield drivers. High hourly, Overtime. Class A-CDL/Tanker. 1 year driving Experience. Home Monthly. Paid Travel, Lodging. Relocation NOT necessary. 1-800-588-2669. www.tttransports.com.**

DRIVERS - DEDICATED Runs Available in your area TODAY. 100% Customer Dedicated Freight. $1100/WK Avg. WEEKLY HOME TIME. TOP PAY & BENEFITS; Mthly BONUSES & more! CDL-A, 1 yr Exp. Red'd. EEOE/AAP. LIMITED POSITIONS AVAILABLE. 866-370-4476. www.Drive4Marten.com.**

DRIVERS - Attention: If you have a CDL Class A, but can't get a job because of your age. We have a program for you. 575-520-5330. Grant@wildwestexpress.com.**

RCX Solutions, Inc. DRIVERS & OWNER OPERATORS WANTED!!! *Regional available *Late Model Equipment *Weekly Settlements *Fuel Discount Program *Home Weekly 3 Years OTR Experience Req. Call Jason at 866-803-2265.

DRIVERS - AVERITT EXPRESS New Pay Increase For Regional Drivers! 40 to 46 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Also, Post-Training Pay Increase for Students! (Depending on Domicile) Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. 888-602-7440. Apply @ AverittCareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.**

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ATTN: DRIVERS - $$ RECENT PAY INCREASE $$ 4 CPM Raise for Every Driver + Bonuses. 401K + Ins. Paid Training/Orientation. CDL-A Req - 877-258-8782. www.ad-drivers.com.**

DRIVERS- TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! EARN $750 PER WEEK! No Experience Needed! We will get you trained! 1-888-778-0459.**

25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $700 per week! No CDL? No Problem! Training is available! 1-888-248-1948.**

YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 10/25, 8 am-noon, 5657 AR Hwy. 294/Military Rd., Jax.

BIG YARD sale, 10/25, 13218 Hwy. 31 North, Ward. Hunting equipment & apparel, clothes, some furniture, jewelry & lots of great items. Rain cancels.

YARD SALE, 10/25, 7 am-noon, 3 Danbury Ln., Jax. Dresser, bar stools, coffee tables, occasional chairs, men's clothes & home decor.

YARD SALE, 10/25, 7 am-2 pm, 1229 Melrose Dr., Jax. (behind Dupree Park).

HORSES

HORSES: LUCKY Acres Boarding Stable, TLC for your horse, box stalls and paddocks, clean pastures, indoor and outdoor arenas, riding instruction and training program. Dressage our specialty. (501) 988-2458.

AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2008 DODGE Ram 1500, strong running truck, great daily driver, approx. 102,000 miles, $14,500 obo. (501) 256-4281.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 VULCAN 500, 3,254 miles, new tires & battery 10/13, $2,800 obo. (405) 795-9294.

ITEMS FOR SALE

PIPE THREADER, ratcheting hand-type, 1/8" thru 1 1/4" dies w/reamer & pipe cutter, $35. 847-1545, Bryant.

LOTS & ACREAGE

1729 Acres - "Working Cattle Ranch", Carroll County Arkansas. Under $1600 per acre. Call for packet. Larry Montgomery, 870-423-2997. Montgomery Whiteley Realty. lamonty44@gmail.com.**

MOBILE HOMES

MOBILE HOME OUTSWING DOORS - $169, Combo doors $299, Skirting $7.25, Tubs, $160, Toilets, $75, 501-993-3144.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

Jacksonville - $0 Deposit - 1, 2 & 3 bedroom MH's in nice, quiet, safe park, $400-$600 per month. "One bedroom includes utilities."  Call (501) 472-4100.

4 BEDROOM, 2 bath, 2600 sq. ft. home in El Paso, open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, lots of storage, 3-car carport, $600 deposit, $900 month, 12 month lease. No inside pets. (501) 259-0735.

2 & 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home, 3 miles north of back gate on Hwy. 107, newly remodeled, quiet. No mowing, all utilities paid. $700-$750, $500 security. Ask for Ed. (501) 988-5187.

204 WRIGHT Cove, Jacksonville - 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, fenced backyard. Refrigerator, electric cookstove & dishwasher furnished. Central heat & air, $795 mo. w/deposit. (501) 982-9147 or (501) 231-2790.

CABOT, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1.9 acres, clean & ready to rent, $825 mo., No Deposit! (501) 951-5732.

2 BEDROOM, 2 bath, 16x60 mobile home for rent. All electric, CH&A, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. Near Cabot, off Hwy. 5. Large lot, no pets, no smoking. $400 mo., $400 dep. 351-4187.

HOUSES FOR SALE

147 JOINER, Jacksonville. Carpeted, 3/4 bedroom, 1.5 bath, refurbished, partial new roof, central A/C & new heating unit, all new paint, eat-in kitchen. New vinyl flooring in kitchen, bath & laundry. Separate garage/storage shed, corner lot, fenced backyard, $37,800. (501) 590-9846.

HISTORY >> Little Rock AFB and the Cuban Missile Crisis + 52 Years

By Mark Wilderman

314th Airlift Wing Historian

Fifty-two years ago this week, the men and women stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base played a role in one of the most pivotal events of the Cold War: The Cuban Missile Crisis. Never before, or since, has the world come so close to global nuclear war. 

 In October 1962, Little Rock AFB was a major Strategic Air Command bomber base hosted by the 384th Bombardment Wing and its three squadrons, the 544th, 545th, and 546th Bombardment Squadrons. The 70th Air Refueling Squadron and its Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter tankers supported the SAC bomber mission and their B-47s. A handful of Fairchild C-123 Provider aircraft assigned to SAC also supported the bombers and tankers. 

The 308th Strategic Missile Wing and its 18 Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile launch control facilities were under construction north of the base, but not yet operational. The entire force at Little Rock AFB was under the control of SAC’s intermediate headquarters, the 825th Strategic Aerospace Division, at Little Rock AFB, which reported to SAC headquarters, Second Air Force, Barksdale AFB, Lousiana. 

During the crisis, several hundred members of the air police, now known as Security Forces, armed themselves with light infantry weapons and defended Little Rock AFB. 

While the air police were responsible for holding the down the home front, each of Little Rock Air Force Base’s squadrons played an important role in supporting President John F. Kennedy’s strategy against the Soviet Union and their Cuban allies.

 The 384th BW and the 70th ARS were immediately placed on a higher state of alert in response to the discovery of Soviet offensive missiles and bombers in Cuba. During the October-November period, the base’s aircraft maintenance complex experienced its largest workload to date, with organizational maintenance squadrons working 24 hours a day to generate every available B-47 and KC-97 aircraft. 

On Oct. 22, 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff raised the nuclear war readiness level of the 384th BW and its supporting KC-97 tankers to Defense Condition 3, one level above the normal SAC readiness posture. On Oct 24, as the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated, SAC forces were ordered to DEFCON 2. During DEFCON 2, all available B-47s went to alert status, loaded with weapons, and were made ready for immediate launch against targets in the Soviet Union. Eleven B-47s from the wing were dispersed to municipal airports throughout the United States to enhance their survivability and complicate Soviet targeting. Likewise, the 70th ARS generated every available KC-97 tanker to support the B-47 force if launched against their Soviet targets. All SAC bomber and tanker combat crews remained close to their aircraft at the SAC alert facility on the flight line, ready to scramble to their bombers and tankers to retaliate in the event a Soviet missile launched against the U.S. mainland from Cuba. Starting Nov. 2, 1962, the 70th ARS also supported Operation COMMON CAUSE, the refueling support of U.S. reconnaissance aircraft conducting aerial surveillance over the Communist country by contributing six tanker crews flying KC-97s from the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes AFB, Kansas. Little Rock AFB’s SAC combat crews remained in DEFCON 2 until Nov. 21, 1962, a period of over three weeks.

For several days, despite overwhelming photographic evidence, the Soviets denied the presence of their offensive missiles in Cuba. On Oct. 25, the U.S. requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, and the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Adlai E. Stevenson, directly confronted the Soviet U.N. ambassador over the presence of the missiles. In the Caribbean Sea, U.S. warships intercepted Soviet ships bound for Cuba and checked for additional shipments of offensive missiles and bombers. U.S. Navy blockade ships narrowly averted a nuclear exchange when they intercepted a Soviet diesel-powered submarine, B-59, which was armed with a nuclear-tipped torpedo. 

Tensions increased further on Oct. 27, when a local Soviet commander in Cuba ordered an SA-2 SAM battery to shoot down a U-2 reconnaissance plane. Throughout the long weeks of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Kennedy administration and Soviet Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev secretly pursued a diplomatic solution via letters and radio broadcasts to avoid an imminent nuclear war.

On Oct. 26, Khrushchev proposed removing Soviet missiles from Cuba. In exchange, the U.S. promised not to invade the island and to remove its intermediate-range Jupiter missiles from Turkey. Finally, in Nov., the two parties reached an agreement, ending the Cuban Missile Crisis and pulling the world back from the brink of nuclear war. In addition to the stipulations, the Hotline Agreement, which established a Moscow-Washington hotline to allow U.S. and Soviet leaders to confer directly in any future crisis, was established. 

The base’s Heritage Park has preserved a Boeing B-47 Stratojet similar to those operated by the 384th BW during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Also preserved is a Fairchild C-123 Provider, similar to those that supported the B-47s and its personnel. Building 160, the former semi-hardened SAC alert facility, is the home of the 34th Combat Training Squadron, but is not open for tours. The adjacent SAC alert aircraft “Christmas Tree,” haunted by the ghosts of Cold War B-47 Stratojets, KC-97 Stratofreighters, KC-135 Stratotankers and B-58 Hustlers, is routinely used as the staging location for Team Little Rock Airmen participating in the joint exercise Green Flag. 

The nearby Jacksonville Museum of Military History has preserved several artifacts relating to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War. Their hour are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.