as part of Operation Reflex. Reflex placed Boeing B-47 Stratojets and KC-97s at bases closer to the Soviet Union for 90-day periods, although individuals rotated back to home bases during unit Reflex deployments During Operation Reflex deployments with the wing, the squadron's aircraft also served as transports, carrying extra air crew, support personnel, and spare parts. The percentage of Strategic Air Command (SAC) planes on alert gradually grew over the next three years to reach its goal of 1/3 of SAC's force on alert by 1960. In 1960, the 40th Wing moved to Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. The squadron remained behind and was reassigned to the 310th Bombardment Wing. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, on 24 October SAC went to DEFCON 2, placing all its aircraft on alert. On 29 October, additional KC-97s were dispersed to forward locations to provide refueling for B-47s on increased alert status. Dispersed B-47s and supporting tankers were recalled to their home bases on 24 November and on 27 November, SAC returned to normal alert posture. The squadron became nonoperational on 1 January 1963 and was inactivated in March 1963 as part of the phaseout of the KC-97 from SAC. Consolidation On 19 September 1985, the 40th Air Refueling Squadron was consolidated with the 540th Bombardment Squadron, but the consolidated unit has not been active. Lineage 540th Bombardment Squadron Constituted as the 540th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 28 October 1942 Activated on 3 November 1942 Inactivated on 1 April 1944 Consolidated with the 40th Air Refueling Squadron as the 40th Air Refueling Squadron on 19 September 1985 40th Air Refueling Squadron Constituted as the 40th Air Refueling Squadron, Medium on 18 June 1952 Activated on 8 July 1952 Discontinued on 15 March 1963 Consolidated with the 540th Bombardment Squadron on 19 September 1985 Assignments 383d Bombardment Group, 3 November 1942 – 1 April 1944 40th Bombardment Wing, 8 July 1952 (attached to 310th Bombardment Wing, 8 September 1952 – 30 April 1953, detached 1–10 March 1954, 4 May–27 June 1954, 25 June–5 September 1956, c. 1 July–c. 1 October 1957, c. 1 October 1958 – 10 January 1959) 310th Bombardment Wing (later 310th Strategic Aerospace Wing), 1 June 1960 – 15 March 1963 Stations Salt Lake City Army Air Base, Utah, 3 November 1942 Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota, 12 November 1942 Ainsworth Army Air Field, Nebraska, 13 December 1942 Rapid City