S.L. Sanger
HOW TO FIND A MISSILE SITE
MY VISITS TO THE MISSILE SITES concentrated on Montana (Malmstrom AFB) and North Dakota (Minot AFB). The accompanying photos show these states, leaving out locations in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska, which are commanded by F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne. However, the photos indicate that once you have seen one Minuteman silo launch site or missile alert facility, you have pretty much seen them all. The launch sites are unmanned, unless you count the surveillance devices and occasional maintenance visits. The missile alert facility, always on alert, has a topside staff of eight enlisted personnel, well armed, with two junior officers far below in the launch control capsule, prepared but not hoping for an Emergency War Order permitting them to turn their keys to send a missile or missiles aloft in less than one minute.
From a distance, three transformers on a power pole are one strong indication of a missile site. Other up-close indications are various surveillance devices, partially buried communications antennae, and the thick exhaust pipe for the diesel generator.
A particularly quiet and scenic view, a missile site in North Dakota surrounded by blooming canola. Both long-distance indicators -- the transformers and white pole -- are easily visible. the only sounds are likely to be from birds and the humming underground air conditioner, which cools the missile's operating systems.
A view of missile site Kilo 9 on a gravel road west of Harlowton, Wheatland County Montana. It sits off the road, but is accessible by going through a farm gate.
A missile alert facility, Alpha 1 southeast of Great Falls on U.S. 87. These all look like they might be small ranch operations, except for the high fence, the heavy-duty gate and impressive tall antennae, not to mention a stern warning if you are too inquisitive. Under the beige "ranch house," about 60 feet, is the concrete egg-shaped capsule crammed with electronic gear and two Air Force officers in charge of 10 Minuteman III missiles. A01, pictured, was the first Minuteman control center -- 1962.
All photos taken by Toby Sonneman
Another sign is three or four power poles and a pencil-thin white pole that looks like a flag pole, which is not easily seen in this photo. Some sites are off the road like this one. Others are practically next to the road.
Photographed through the substantial and high security fence with its "Deadly Force Authorized" warning. It is usually safe enough to come up to the fence, but don't try to go over it.
A good look through the fence at a North Dakota site. All sites have a certain resemblance to an overgrown rural septic tank. The three rails guide the 80-ton concrete lid as it is blown off the silo top seconds before launch. The missile rests directly under the lid. To the right is the buried missile support system including a diesel engine for emergency electricity generation.
To realize how tall these missiles are, you can see one (inactive) for yourself at a city park in Lewistown, Montana. Lewistown, at the east end of the Malmstrom missile field, is surrounded by Minuteman launch sites.