SAC Dallas: Fort Worth

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About SAC Dallas: Fort Worth

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) Dallas/Fort Worth unit was established during the Cold War era as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts to maintain a strong nuclear deterrent. Located at what is now known as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (formerly Carswell Air Force Base), the base hosted several SAC units, including bomber and tanker wings equipped with B-52 Stratofortresses and KC-135 Stratotankers. Throughout its tenure under SAC from the late 1940s until the command’s deactivation in 1992, the Dallas/Fort Worth unit played a key role in strategic bombing, air refueling, and readiness exercises. The unit’s legacy continues today through its ongoing support of reserve and joint military operations.

Unit Members

Gabor Phaneuf

U.S. Air Force

SAC Dallas: Fort WorthView Profile

Shawn Ross

U.S. Air Force

SAC Dallas: Fort WorthView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About SAC Dallas: Fort Worth

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Strategic Air Command (SAC) Presence: The Dallas/Fort Worth area was home to Carswell Air Force Base, a key SAC base during the Cold War, playing a critical role in America's nuclear deterrence strategy. • B-52 and B-36 Operations: Carswell AFB hosted both the B-36 Peacemaker and later the B-52 Stratofortress, two of the most iconic bombers in U.S. Air Force history. • Home of the Peacemaker: The B-36, known as the "Peacemaker," was manufactured just a few miles away at the Consolidated Vultee (Convair) plant in Fort Worth, making the base a hub for strategic bomber activity. • Presidential Visit: President John F. Kennedy landed at Carswell AFB on November 21, 1963, just one day before his assassination in Dallas. • Secret Alert Missions: During the height of the Cold War, SAC aircraft and crews at Carswell were on constant alert, ready to launch within minutes if ordered. • Refueling Missions: In addition to bombers, the base was home to KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, supporting global SAC operations. • Operation Chrome Dome: Bombers from Carswell participated in Operation Chrome Dome, where nuclear-armed aircraft were kept airborne 24/7 as a deterrent to the Soviet Union. • Base Closure and Transition: After the Cold War, Carswell AFB was closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process but later reopened as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. • Famous Personnel: Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bruce G. Settle and other distinguished airmen served at Carswell during its SAC years. • Legacy and Museums: The B-36 Peacemaker Museum and Fort Worth Aviation Museum preserve the legacy of SAC and the critical role played by Dallas/Fort Worth in America's strategic defense.