Description
Book Synopsis In the late 1940s, the U.S. Department of Defense established a nuclear weapons depository in the Manzano Mountains of New Mexico. For more than 20 years, Manzano Base served as a maintenance and storage site for some of the most destructive weapons ever created. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, the facility was small and obscure, with highly restricted access. Its covert mission fostered a sense of mystery, leaving the public to speculate about what really went on there. The site was decommissioned in 1992 yet its rich history continues to influence America''s nuclear weapons program.
This book tells the story of Manzano and the personnel who served there. Firsthand accounts recall their experiences of nuclear weapons accidents, aircraft crashes, UFO/UAF sightings and a radiation demonstration called tickling the tiger''s tail.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Part
The Historical Development of Manzano
1. La Villa de Alburquerque, New Mexico
2. Manzano Weapons Storage Site
3. Sandia Base (Abbreviated History)
4. Kirtland Air Force Base (Abbreviated History)
Part
Manzano Begins, Code Name "Water Supply"
5. Site Able Construction
6. 8460th Special Weapons Group
Part III.
The Administrative Area
7. Access to Manzano Base
8. The Administrative Area
Part
The Restricted "Q" Area
9. "Q" Area Access
10. Nuclear Weapons Stored at Manzano
11. Nuclear Weapon Storage Structures
12. The Weapon Maintenance Plants
13. The Birdcage for Pit Storage
Part V.
Base Security
14. DoD Nuclear Weapon Storage Area Security Program
15. Security Squadrons Responsible for Manzano
16. The Perimeter Fences
17. Storage Structure Security System
18. Central Security Control and ADT Monitoring
19. Patrolling the "Q" Area
20. Nuclear Weapon Convoy Duty
Part VI.
Miscellaneous Manzano Information
21. Aircraft Crashes at Manzano
22. Wildlife and Varmints on the Mountain
23. Manzano's Aerial Phenomena
24. Abandoned in Place
25. Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex
26. The 377th Security Forces Squadron
27. Manzano Today
Epilogue
Appendix A. Aerial View of Manzano Base (Kirtland AFB)
Appendix B. Wall Map Displayed in the ADT Monitoring Room
Appendix C. Abbreviated Chronological History of Manzano
Appendix D. Manzano Base Commanders
Appendix E. Department of the Air Force Letter
Appendix F. Frequently Used Abbreviations and Acronyms
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
