Through the actions of the crewmembers, it helped to demonstrate that a continuous airborne alert could be maintained successfully.

The B-52D was returning to Georgia from Massachusetts after an earlier Chrome Dome airborne alert to Europe.

It would eventually lead to Operation Chrome Dome, as it was part of a series of programs which showed that a continuous airborne alert could be achieved.

They also supported the SAC Airborne Alert Force and would have refueled any surviving bombers returning from the USSR.