Some of the planes outside the museum
Click here for a virtual tour.
Inside Missile Control Center
Where all the missile silos were located.
Resident fox
After touring the museum, we hopped on a bus to visit one of the missile silos. All of the silos have been deactivated/destroyed as of 1996. Click here for a list of all the sites. However, there is one silo on the air force base that is available to tour with a guide.
The white container would be used to transport the war head. The white 'skirts' would lower to ensure any equipment and people would be hidden from view.
Vehicle used to transport the missile (without the warhead)
Two people were required to open the missile silo. Through a series of combination locks and procedures, they would be able to enter the silo through the big hatch.
Map of where the 150 missile silos were located.
The former J1 missile site has been converted to a bed and breakfast.
"Computers" back in the day.
Ladder into the silo.
Looking up
Top of the missile
Middle
Bottom (if you drop something, too bad.)
In the event the missile was deployed/fired, it would be done so remotely. The 90,000 pound concrete base would move to the right along the track to reveal the missile and in a matter of seconds, it would be launched. The silo would be destroyed.
It was an interesting experience and in spite of the missile programs being discontinued and the base being slated for closure, there are several new missions (i.e. drones, world-wide financial resource center for employees, etc.) to keep the base open.
Bison sculpture outside Dakotah Steakhouse where we enjoyed a yummy lunch.
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