Operation Arc Light
From Free net encyclopedia
Operation Arc Light was the 1965 deployment of B-52 heavy bombers to Guam.
By extension, Arc light (or sometimes Arclight) became a popular term for B-52 Stratofortress bomber missions flown during the Vietnam War in support of ground operations.
The first use of these heavy bombers in Southeast Asia occurred on 18 June, 1965. Flying out of Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, twenty-seven aircraft used 750 and 1,000 pound bombs to attack a Viet Cong stronghold. During this mission, one bomber collided in midair with a tanker aircraft. Missions were commonly flown in three-plane formations known as "cells" and were also employed when ground units in heavy combat requested fire support.
Arc Light missions continued until the cessation of hostilities by all U.S. forces on August 15, 1973.
Other uses
ArcLight is also the title of a techno-thriller novel by Eric Harry detailing an accidental nuclear war between the US and post-communist Russia. It is currently out of print.
Arclight is the third album by Swedish rock band Silverbullit.
Arclight is also the name of a cinema in Hollywood, California which includes the Cinerama Dome.
Arclight is a character from Marvel Comics.