You're right about the noise that goes with B-52 operations. While I never worked at the base, I had the good fortune to be driving by during an alert takeoff which, if I remember correctly, was at 15 second intervals. We stopped and watched, but were unable to carry on a conversation. By the time all the birds were airborne you could barely see the highway for all the black smoke in the air.
Now I manage to get my heavy bomber fix and commissary shopping by driving over to Shreveport a couple times a year...and I understand your fond memories.
