7/17/2011:
Although there is disagreement about the exact date, it was around this time in July 1961 that the first B-52 bomber arrived at Minot Air Force Base. It was ironically nicknamed the “Peace Persuader.” These planes are still used as heavy bombers today, and are expected to remain in service until 2040.
The “Peace Persuader’s” arrival in Minot marked a huge growth in the base’s scope of operations. So, they wanted to show off. In January of 1962, a B-52 from Minot set not one, but eleven aviation records. The crew flew from Okinawa, Japan to Torrejon, Spain in 21 hours and 53 minutes. Afterwards, President Kennedy invited the Minot crew to Washington to give his personal congratulations.
Dakota Datebook written by Leewana Thomas
Sources:
http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/519514.html?nav=5576
http://www.minot.af.mil/library/history.asp
http://www.minot.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3724
http://www.statehistoricalfoundation.com/?id=81&offset=200