Inside Manzano: The Life of a Nuclear Special Weapons Storage Site

The U.S. Department of Defense established a nuclear weapons depository in the Manzano Mountains of New Mexico in the late 1940s. For over 20 years, it served as a maintenance and storage site for some of the most destructive weapons ever created, fostering a sense of mystery and leaving the public to speculate about its covert mission. The site was decommissioned in 1992, but its rich history continues to influence America's nuclear weapons program. This book tells the story of Manzano and the personnel who served there, including firsthand accounts of nuclear weapons accidents, aircraft crashes, UFO/UAF sightings, and a radiation demonstration called "tickling the tiger's tail."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

In the late 1940s, the United States Department of Defense established a nuclear weapons depository in the Manzano Mountains of New Mexico. For over two decades, 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."

The personnel at Manzano were a diverse group of individuals, including military personnel, scientists, and support staff. They came from all over the country and had a wide range of skills and experiences. Some had served in the military before joining the nuclear weapons program, while others were recruited specifically for their expertise in nuclear physics or engineering.

One of the most significant events at Manzano was the accidental release of radiation in 1950. A crew member was cleaning a radiation detector when it malfunctioned, causing a small leak of radiation. Although the leak was quickly contained, it raised concerns about the safety of the facility and the potential for harm to the surrounding community.

In addition to accidents, there were also several UFO/UAF sightings reported at Manzano. Some of the personnel claimed to have seen strange lights in the sky, and others reported seeing objects flying at high speeds and performing unusual maneuvers. Although the government never confirmed or denied these sightings, they continued to fuel speculation about the facility's secret mission.

Despite the dangers and mysteries associated with Manzano, the personnel who served there were proud of their work. They believed that their contributions to the nuclear weapons program were essential for national security and the protection of the United States. Many of them stayed at the facility for years, working long hours and sacrificing personal comfort to ensure that the weapons were safe and secure.

In 1992, the nuclear weapons depository at Manzano was decommissioned, and the facility was turned over to the Department of Energy. The site was cleaned up and restored, and it is now open to the public as a museum and educational center. Visitors can learn about the history of nuclear weapons and the role that Manzano played in the development of America's nuclear arsenal.

The legacy of Manzano continues to be a topic of debate and discussion. Some argue that the facility was a necessary evil, necessary to ensure the survival of the United States in the Cold War. Others believe that the nuclear weapons program was a mistake, and that the risks associated with it were too great to justify. Regardless of one's opinion, it is clear that Manzano played a significant role in the history of nuclear weapons and the development of America's nuclear arsenal.

In conclusion, 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." The site was decommissioned in 1992, yet its rich history continues to influence America's nuclear weapons program. The personnel at Manzano were a diverse group of individuals who were proud of their work and believed that their contributions to the nuclear weapons program were essential for national security. Despite the dangers and mysteries associated with the facility, they remained committed to their mission and to the protection of the United States.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688879