The wing gained a strategic missile squadron in April 1961.
Five of these flights make up one missile squadron.
It exploded while being examined and killed a navigator from the missile squadron.
It was then reformed as a strategic missile squadron, serving thus till 1963.
From 1989 to 1991, he was commander of a missile squadron in the Coastal Fleet.
Alston held command of the 12th Missile Squadron from 1993 to 1994.
Each of these tactical missile groups had several missile squadrons for operations, support and maintenance.
Its operational component was the 556th Missile Squadron.
During 1962, three new strategic missile squadrons, the 66th, 67th, and 68th, were activated to support the new Minuteman I system.
Redesignated as 740 Missile Squadron on 1 September 1991.