Titan Missile Museum - Arizona, USA

Shot during my visit (27th March 2010)
EDIT: March 2016 I thought this was the last generation of Silo Based ICBM in the United States but I was in error.

The Titan Missile Museum is located approximately 25 miles south of Tucson, Arizona, at 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., Sahuarita, Arizona (25 minutes from downtown Tucson).

[bobnat]

I was a MFT in the 373 SMS LRAFB in the mid-70's. One of the first things new guys were taught was how to override the blast door scheme. We could easily have all the doors opened at once. There were times when it just made things easier to have 2 of them open. It was a pain in the ass to do it by the book.

Here's something I can still hear as clearly as ever. "Skybird, skybird, this is SAC Airborne Command. Acknowledge now!"

I can't help myself now. We would lose power often in Arkansas. When I was soundly asleep when the power would go out, the entire complex wound down in the noise. . There was a constant hum that you became accustomed to but when it stopped everyone instantly woke up. I'd lie there in bed counting, waiting for the diesel engine to kick in. I always had to then inspect it to ensure it was running correctly. It was loud. So loud, I have a hearing disability because of it.

We'd sleep on level 2 in the big chairs we had by the stairs. My BMAT made a contraption that would allow us to pull on a string to press the acknowledge button when SAC would radio us to maker sure we were awake.

The best part of the job is we would get boxes of books every month from the Book of the Month club. You gotta be old to know what that was but it saved my sanity. I read a lot. After doing the DSV and any professional training, there was nothing else to do. We'd have 20-21 hours a tour with nothing to do so I read and slept.

One of the good things about the job was we'd get 3 and sometimes 4 days off at a time. In the Air Force you could go anywhere you wanted if you didn't have to work. We only had to inform our squadron if we were going further than 100 miles. I spent a lot of time in Greers Ferry/Heber Springs with my friends. That was fun, it made it all worthwhile.

One more thing. The BMAT was known as Brooms, Mops and Trash. The MFT was called Motherf$%^ing Turkey. The officers were called PITAs.

That was a bit of bull about the targeting. We knew that every Titan was aimed at the Soviet Union. We didn't know if it would be a hard or soft target (military or city), but we damn well knew that a lot of people would die. It didn't matter if it was Moscow or a site in Siberia, that bird was going to fly. Maybe some of the older officers might have had some qualms about it, but that's why most of them were only in their 20's. Us enlisted men were young, I was 18 when I arrived, and we were ready to do our job. You have to keep this in mind...we were told repeatedly that the US would not launch a first strike, that we would only retaliate. I believed that at 18. Therefore, if we got the order to launch, I damn well wanted to do it because I believed the Soviets were going to kill my people so I wanted to get them as well. We also knew that every missile complex was targeted and that we had about 30 minutes to get the bird out before we were killed. I would have launched that sucker in a heartbeat.

All in all, it was the most boring thing I've ever done in my life.

[brentbarnhart]

This guy is one of the best presenters I've ever seen... ABSOLUTELY outstanding the knowledge, the inflection in his voice and the delivery. This guy is a PRO. Underpaid for his talents I assure you.

[Skadoosh]

This man loves his job to much. God bless him.

[WizardOfWhoopee]

They should install stereo amplifiers and subwoofers in the tunnels, then play a launch sounding 'rumble' when the keys are turned. Then say something like 'Uh-oh, that missile was supposed to be inert'.

[darold]

I have no idea who this gentleman is, but I'm thankful for his tour and what it represents. And, he's old school - he shows everybody respect. That's pretty cool. Thank you sir!

[daddyDA]

Wow, this guy is awesome. What I also like is that he’s totally honest. He’s not making any judgements, just showing historical artefacts that were and still are part of the life of every human being on this planet. I’m a baby boomer and was born during the very real Cold War

[johnjohnjohnh]

This guide could tell me about anything and I'd listen. Knowledgeable, presentable, personable. Love it!

[christophermondone]

These vieos tours are amazing. brings back many memories for myself, for over 3 years there in Tucson i was a member of the 390th MIMS squardan. missile facilitirs techntian. did all the maintanace above ground, control center and silo. it was a great job to have, it was a honor and privlage to serve my county for four years. i wad honorably discharged in late 1979 as a sargent. go SAC. victory thru deteriance thru peace.

[Weisior]

This guide guy is a real professional! I started to love him just like my grandfather!

[preuomo]

I took this tour, probably 16 years ago... I was a kid back then, and I'll never forget the tour guide asking me, as a 12 year old kid, to move that 6000lb blast door

[joegaskill]

The man is a National treasure!!
Who could take his place?

[jamesfranks]

I took the tour from 1981 until 1987. 308th strategic missile wing Little Rock AFB. Over 400 tours underground. This brought back many memories.

[robinwells]

These place all worked perfectly because we are still here to watch this wonderful guided tour of an unused silo given by a wonderful character! Big thanks to all of this.

[davidcogburn]

Makes me miss my days in the Air Force Security Police, working with the 381st Security Police Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS. One of the three Titan II wings. Spend time living in a silo with the missile crews. Memories I have not forgotten in 40 years nor will if I last another 40 years. I'm 65 now.

[rjinnh]

After one year of tech school in TX, I was assigned as a Titan-II ICBM BMAT in the 532nd and 533rd SMSs of the 381st SMW McConnell AFB, Wichita KS from '63 to '70.

Shortly after reporting to the 381st, our first of 18 birds was certified operational.

A monumental day for SAC and the 8th Airforce.

Shortly after, birds at Little Rock and Davis Montha AFBs became operational one by one till all 54 held Ready Status.

Fond memories as "Pease Was Our Profession" and Readiness was our Strength.

FWIW: Those trailers and other mobile equipments were only on site during maintenance operations. Normally, top side was barren.

Also, the 6 Digit ButterFly Controler and New Airborne Guidance System were added after I left the AF in '70.

[Challender]

Phenomenal presentation by Mr. Jim Shultz!

[Dragn]

SAC was top of the line back then. My Father was a Master Sargeant based out of Davis - Monthan AFB. He installed and worked on the Minute Man and Titan II systems from the mid 50's to around 1970. These were massive projects involving the top Aerospace Companies. He spent a few days in " the hole waiting to launch " after President Kennedy was killed, anticipating an attack. Let's hope we never see a revitalization of unbelievably powerful destructive weapons.

[wolfcatsden]

the only suggest when talking about the Silo door i have is this. get everyone to look up at wave. then tell them they more then like have had their picture Taken by another country. But be reassured that cause this door is permittivity in a half open position and the cement blocks preventing it from opening fully lets them know this is a non active silo and missile. I say this cause it would let visitor know that even in the current day Both sides are still watching each other very carefully. also have this guy do all your tours, he rock

[Mike_Malloy]

In my early 1980's Air Force days I worked in those silos almost every day for 6 years. Thanks for the upload an memory. I felt like I was there again! I hope I can visit the museum one day. :)

[robertwells]

I grew up in Roswell, NM where we had 12 Atlas missile silos. This is absolutly amazing to see!!!! Thanks