WS-18 Airpower through the Cold War, Pt. 1 Flashcards
State the Soviet action taken in the blockading of Berlin.
Soviets blockaded all roads, rail, and waterways
Soviets allowed three air corridors
Soviets refused to supply food
Soviets demanded their currency be adopted
Soviets cut off power
Identify the Western Allies’ response to the Berlin blockade.
The Western Allies’ response was the Berlin Airlift, known as Operation Vittles.
Western Allies’ supplied food and coal
Backup of airlift through basing of strategic nuclear capability in England (36 B-29s deployed)
This was the first success of nuclear deterrence
Outline the significance of airpower during the Berlin airlift.
Became a diplomatic weapon
represented technical achievement
demonstrated strength of airpower
NATO (demonstrated allied prestige)
List General LeMay’s accomplishments and impact on the Air Force.
High standards of readiness and realistic training * Foot Stomp*
Bombers became airborne nuclear alert Foot Stomp
Procured personnel and aircraft
Integrated ICBMs
Nuclear deterrence became reality
Identify the contributions of airpower during the Korean War.
Air Superiority: Interdiction and close air support Foot Stomp
Counterland: airport operations conducted to attain and maintain a desired degree of superiority over surface operations by the destruction or neutralization of enemy surface forces.
Describe the effect the Soviet nuclear threat had on US missile development.
Created an arms race between the Soviets and US
US increased production of bombs
Identify which missile became the mainstay of Strategic Air Command’s missile retaliatory force.
The Minuteman became the mainstay of SAC’s missile retaliatory force
