Washington, October 23 (RHC)-- U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order authorizing the Air Force to call up as many as 1,000 retired aviators to active duty. Trump’s order came as the Pentagon said it’s facing a large shortage of pilots as the administration prepares to ramp up the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Air Force says it will place nuclear-armed B-52 bombers on 24-hour ready alert for the first time since the Cold War ended in 1991.  Observers believe the move could be related to recent U.S. threats against North Korea.

It is also being reported that several U.S. military bases with B-52 bombers sitting on the runway ready for take-off are preparing to build storage facilities for a new nuclear cruise missile that is under development.