So what’s the problem? CRS says “these weapons might provide the United States with more capability than it needs under most circumstances.” It also discounts the Air Force position that launching conventional missiles from either coast would eliminate possible “misunderstandings.” Their only value, says CRS, might stem from a need for quick response and, its analysts ask, is that worth the risk? Sounds like the CRS reaction is not mixed at all.
The Air Force pulled a KC-135 out of storage at the “Boneyard” in early April, three weeks after another one of the service’s Stratotankers crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.