Missile Silo (Texas Country Reporter)

Just outside the City of Lawn, a relic of the cold war was nearly lost to time until it was resurrected by the efforts of Larry Sanders.
Larry Sanders
Abilene, TX
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
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Texas Country Reporter
#1835
10-29-2022

[@danielneuenschwander7381]

My father worked for the contractor General Dynamics, who built the Atlas missiles. We were in Oklahoma in 1961-1962 time near Altus AFB where there were another cluster of ICBM installations. Dad did the systems checkout before turning over the sites to the USAF. Great memories there as a kid. Thanks!

[@ffkarle]

From what I understand the flight of missile silos at Altus was the only ones that actually spanned two states. One of its silos is just South of the Red River. It is immediately West of US-283 Approx 5 miles South of the Red River and 14 miles North of Vernon Texas

[@donalddodson7365]

Often forgotten in the USA: if we do not remember history, warts and all, we are cursed to repeat it. 😮

[@craigroberts757]

Yes, we must stand on the shoulders of the past to see the future.

[@cousineddie7898]

Love Texas Country Reporter. This story makes me think about my two cousins, Larry and David Jobe. Both served in the Air Force during this time and my hat is off to all veterans for what they did.

[@franciscodanconia4324]

I lived out in Abilene in the 2000s. I knew a guy that actually lived in once of these. He converted the command center into a full blown house. His silo was actually dry (he had working pumps).

[@caseymitchell5477]

It looks like at least three are converted into houses, pretty neat idea really

[@leehancock2782]

I used to work with a guy from abilene that knew of a man that had one. I've heard there are some near Gail tx but I don't know that as a fact

[@colormedubious4747]

Would that be the silo near Oplin?

[@32toddv]

Sedali, MO has themas well

[@randalallen5792]

I want 1😊 .nice to know. That protection was there, why can't they understand that Socialism is not Good. Do they need to have internment centers for modern day Socialist? Its,a very Bad ,Idea

[@hokepoke3540]

My father helped build several of the Atlas sites in New Mexico by Walker AFB in the late 1950's and I served in the late 1960' on a Minute Man site. I have nothing but praise for those people and the people who built them. My father also was already in the US Army before Dec 7, 1941. I praise all those brave folks both men and women.

[@itsnotme07]

Well done Mr. Sanders and I salute your mission! You're right. EVERY American needs to hear AND see it (on video of course). Surprised it wasn't turned into a multilevel home.

[@no-purpose-here]

its not the 50s no more honky. slavery aint legal and your 43 buick aint slicker 'n' snot no more. the american dream is dead. america was built on the backs of slaves and migrants. you should be damn ashamed to call yourself american.

[@bettyannmcfatter9648]

I would like to add personal, family history concerning the Abilene ICBM silos. My father served in WW2 as a B-25 combat pilot over Italy. A warrior and member of the Greatest Generation. After the Seven Year Drought in Texas, during the 1950's, our family moved to San Diego, CA. My father got a job at General Dynamics, helping to build the Atlas ICBM rocket engine. My memory is telling me that he was trained to do electrical inspections. One day, while way across the city of San Diego, I heard the deep roar of the Atlas rocket engine being tested miles away in the hills. Tremendous sound of power. When the company contract job ended, we moved back to our home state of Texas. My father worked down in the Abilene, Texas ICBM silos; doing electrical inspections during the installation of the missiles. In later years, he mentioned that one day, the launch alarm went off, and he passed everyone on the stairs to get up and out of the silo. He said the missile was not yet armed. I assume they thought there was going to be "fire in the hole." On a rare family outing, we drove past the AFB. There was what appeared to be a U-2 spy plane sitting on the tarmac in broad daylight. As his job in the silos was winding-up, my father moved us back to home in Southwest Texas. He returned to Abilene to complete his work, then rejoined with us. In his later years, my father commented that he was very proud of his part in building the Atlas rocket engine that helped to put us in Space. He did not mention his nuclear war deterrent work in the Abilene silos; although his service in Life was always bravely protecting family and country. I was about eleven years old or so during our Abilene ICBM years, and very traumatized, knowing we were a bullseye for Russia. God Forbid we ever have a nuclear war! Sincerely, Betty Ann McFatter

[@texaswader]

Awesome! And Kudos to Mr. Sanders for preserving it.

[@woodwaker1]

Thanks for the video and your support of the veterans who manned this. I was in SAC assigned to Offutt AFB -SAC HQ, 1970-1973 in the underground maintaining the secure communication links to the silos and the rest of SAC. We felt that we were defending the country against all enemies foreign and domestic. Not many today can feel that way, their loss.

[@acebrandon3522]

It seems that the dreaded " BETTER RED THAN DEAD" bowel movement has taken somewhat over these days. Damm Beatniks, Pinko Hippies and now WOKE n BROKE Transgenres. But all is not lost. America will not fall by the wayside, No Sir!!! it will find a way to adapt, improvise and overcome this wave of Communist Crap and turn this Country into a light of Righteousness and Truth, again. For all to see and believe.

[@timkincade9763]

Fly Fight Win , 52X USAF

[@fangpe]

My father was on duty during both the Cuban Missile crisis and when Kennedy was shot, in the 'hole'. He was stationed in Minot, ND. A Missileer for Minutemans. He did not speak much about the experiences. Nothing really rattled him or upset him. He was a 23 years old. This video hit close to home for me. The men need to be remembered for helping to win the Cold War.

[@phillipbrown5522]

I remember whaching this show when I was younger and could not wait for it to come on tv love this show then and still do

[@benitocuevas5159]

I was lucky to spend the night in a Titan II missile command center. The owner turned into a very luxurious Airbnb. Even though it no longer resembles what it once was, descending into the earth, passing through the massive blast doors, and walking the cable way was a truly amazing experience. Echoes of the past where still there.

[@Rocketman88002]

I remember when the Atlas F missile sites were built. We had just returned to the U.S. in 1959 or 60. The town we lived in was one of twelve in a fifty mile radius from Lincoln A.F.B. where the Atlas F sites were being built. The concrete plants worked 24/7 till the site was finished. One day a very long strange looking U.S. Air Force trailer with a covered Atlas F missile made the corner at 6th Street and Highway 136 West heading out to SAC Site 8 southwest of Beatrice, NE. I delivered the local newspaper to a crew commander and his second who lived in a trailer park about seven miles from the missile site where they pulled alert. Occasionally, a helicopter from Lincoln A.F.B. brought in fresh crew members who stayed overnight in Beatrice between alerts. That helicopter landed at the grade school playground where the fresh crew were picked up in an U.S.A.F. pickup truck.

[@atomicskistuntman6754]

I was the first person to ever dive the missile silo, I pole vaulted at ACU and suggested Danny Fox and Mark Hyde, future MD’s and I go diving one night. Drove out toted gear about a mile and dove the silos.

[@OutletVibes]

Magnificent view? Abilene? Yeah that dead grass really does make the property pop.

[@omahaL98]

My father was a Missile Launch Officer with Atlas & Minuteman systems from 1962-69/70.

[@rotaman8555]

I know of people who have snuck into one of those abandoned silos and climbed the old rusty stairs down to the water level.

[@truegret7778]

Absolutely spot-on. I recall watching the news about the Cuban Missle Crisis ( I was pretty young - 4 maybe 5 years old ), and didn't know whether to be scared or safe. Thank you, Mr Sanders, for shining the light on those brave men and women, the unsung heroes, that upheld their oath to protect our country. It is the evil described in this story I thought we would be perpetually protecting America from, and not the disgusting rot from within we are experiencing now ( with this administration, and 43|44 ).

[@guymccown5342]

Very true tell the story of our history thanks to our heros under ground for so long. Thank you for telling

[@nmelkhunter1]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@2trdmustanggtfordf1hdsgsfa80]

Did time at Ellsworth AFB 1980/86. Old minuteman weapon systems. Spent many of day and night on LFs and LCFs. The world was a much different place back then.

[@kingforaday8725]

I remember watching this show on Sunday mornings back in the 80's.

[@davidangelamelcher9591]

Awesome video, thanks. Having been stationed inside the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex decades ago, I saw Defcon 2 light up on our status board once and heard the warning buzzer. A very creepy and unsettling feeling indeed.

[@Edgy01]

I never felt more secure than the day in 1976 I visited Cheyanne Mountain.

[@jamesharrison2570]

I spent over 7 years underground in a Titan ii ICBM silo. My job was to launch the missile with it’s 9 megaton

[@justinupshaw672]

This was open for tours in the 90s my dad took me thru it.

[@teddrewry6001]

As teenagers (72'-73'), some of my buddies and I explored a missile silo just north of Abilene. It might have been this one. All the equipment was removed, there were no lights, and it too was flooded so that we couldn't go more than 2 or 3 floors down. It was really, really spooky!

[@joeclark7082]

Tedd. My dad grew up in Abilene during that same time period. He used to tell stories of doing the same thing. His name was James Clark

[@raina4woods]

Abilene Tx native here. It’s really cool to hear about the history around my hometown. My dad and my father in law also served in the AF stationed at Dyess where I was born in the hospital there

[@fredburban8219]

There were 18 of them in Arkansas. I have a friend that was an AF Officer and supervised building a few of them. The scariest part was the Russian's aim was not as good as ours so they targeted every launch pad with 3 of their own missiles. That ment 54 missiles were aimed at Arkansas. The building of ones in Arkansas were supervised by Verner Von Braun.

[@iamdd2159]

Awesome. I've always been fascinated with underground buildings/silos. Thank you Larry

[@kd5ozy]

In 1980 some buddies and I snuck in the silo through a ventilation duct and explored it. It was something I will never forget! Awesome!!!! I would like to see it again

[@williameverts5749]

Same here back in my college days…there was lots of graffiti that that showed there had been others. We never did that, but went several times as we were so curious about them. It was a fun history lesson and Fun days!

[@steveliebig4174]

I've been in one exactly like this near Mitchell Kansas. I was an amazing experience

[@sonar357]

I'd convert that silo, the launch tube exactly, into a cistern to store fresh water. Convert some of the space into food and fuel storage, maybe even greenhouses. Voila! Survival bunker!

[@brucesteele3052]

I spent much of my active duty career underground at both Titan and Minuteman sites. I will just say that it was an experience.

[@woodwaker1]

Thanks for your service and what you did!

[@joenop3393]

5:47 That assertion about the .45 is a bit of a stretch.

[@jamescrabtree9240]

Yeah, that seemed way over the top and is highly doubtful.

[@opus5150]

Its false. (AF personnel had .38 pistols, not automatics if you want to get technical) Watched Wargames too many times, I suppose. If you shoot the only other guy in the LCC that can turn the key, you're truly screwed.

[@zirlburg]

When I was a kid living in Clyde in the 60s and 70s, we could see in the distance from our family property some of the buildings around the ICBM bunker. I was always told it was full of water. It is fascinating to see here what I only imagined as a kid. Very thankful someone has preserved a part of history.

[@Rocketman88002]

There were actually 13 Atlas F sites in Texas. One of them belonged to the 577th SMS (Altus A.F.B.) and was located near Fargo, Texas.

[@barbrahlivingston8971]

That is our history. We need to remember how close we were to nuclear war. We are in that time again, sadly.

[@mikestanley9176]

Last I heard the Atomic clock was at 90 seconds to midnight.

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Biden Build Back Better Plan 😡

[@kittykat999a]

His ending statement of this particular silo, I wonder if he’s familiar with the Titan Missile Museum at Green Valley/Sahuarita AZ, just south of Tucson. Google it.

[@ragoff]

whats so sad is we are right back where they were then. Our country pushing for it this time.

[@robertbarnett7929]

Grew up in Abilene i was about 6 yrs old 1958 Dad drove out to see one of these missile sites Long time ago

[@AbnEngrDan]

I know Larry and I know another owner of another silo near Coronado's Corner, west of Abilene. Very interesting places!

[@forrestgump9576]

Great place to escape the summer heat!

[@allen480]

Forest Gump. Western Diamondback rattlesnakes would agree with you!

[@centexan]

What a great video. Not a surprised since it is Texas Country Reporter. Working in one of these silos was no cushy job. Sure hope some extra pay was involved.

[@kevinborth2520]

how awesome is that, would love to visit it

[@mackeyhelford4838]

there are two missile silo around Austin Texas, one east of Austin and one west of Austin, both in private hands

[@naybrann]

I’ve seen some of these silos that you can scuba dive in. Pretty cool

[@willowwillowy3635]

Awesome

[@jerrodbeck1799]

It’s the Soviet sub commander that refused orders to launch that saved our planet 👍🏻 thank you sir.🤟🏻

[@momow1430]

Mid 70's went on a couple of field trips to one of the Nike missile control areas in the area to hunt for fossils and roam the natural limestone "cliffs" and pools w/out adult supervision (!). What is now Buffalo Mountain Ranch. They never took us to the actual launch area a few miles away. I really wanted to see! Was hoping this was it. This silo was probably way more exciting!

[@sisleymichael]

The Nike and Hercules systems were nuclear air burst air defense missiles to destroy inbound nuclear weapons or bombers. They were rail mounted.

[@kg1966]

I served at Dyess in 1986 to 87 as a missile system tech for the 96th MMS. Our shop was in the weapons storage area. We serviced nuclear missiles for the B1. When I arrived, there were on 3 planes delivered to Dyess. I had heard about the local ICBM launch sites around Abilene.

[@mikhailkutsyy]

I served 85-87 at other side Lutsk -23 Ukrainian territory same kind

[@pkerit308]

there is a missile silo across the road from my grandpas place 45 miles south of Abilene

[@pkerit308]

its full of water to the top

[@scubaguy007]

This is a great story and God bless that man for wanting to continue the history. The Cold War with Russia is over. Unfortunately, the Cold War with China is just about the kick-off I fear. I think it would be amazing to come up with the money to restore and outfit that silo and make it a museum. If that guy wanted to do that it would be very cool! I mean complete with a fake missile in there that would just be outstanding to go visit.

[@atx2212]

Wish they would put pumps in the silo and pump the water out! Definitely would like to see what history is at the bottom of the silo

[@alhall959]

As a former Minuteman ICBM technician I truly appreciate your efforts to preserve a part of our legacy. I was assigned to the 44th Strategic Missile Wing and helped maintain our readiness over 13,500 square miles of western South Dakota for over 20 years. Fortunately the National Park Service saw fit to preserve our legacy also. www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

My inner farmer tells me to pump that water out for irrigation - and replace the old sump pump. 🤷‍♂️

[@brianhaygood183]

Wow. I'm glad Larry is preserving this. Hopefully a windmill or similar can be set up to get that water out of there eventually.

[@aaaht3810]

I did not know the Atlas missile was ever based in silos. Interesting to know.

[@arkadyfolkner]

Yes, the Atlas-F ICBMs were stored in silos, but had to be raised to the surface on an elevator to be fueled and launched. Atlas-E was stored horizontal in a 'coffin' launcher that was semi buried (launch control was underground) but was raised to vertical in order to be fueled and launched. Atlas-D was also stored horizontal but in an above ground structure. Titan I also was stored in silos, but like Atlas-F it too had to be raised to the surface for fueling and launch. Titan II was our first ICBM that could be launched within the silo.

[@John-uo1qf]

The good old days of America!

[@xbioman7882]

My father was in the process of moving us from California to Virginia where he was taking on being responsible for the combat readiness of every helicopter stationed in the Continental US as the Cuban Missle Crisis started. He had a note taped to the dash that had a list of radio stations he had to keep on as we drove. Near Abilene he received the code words over the radio he was listening for. We diverted over to Altus AF Base. It was late at night. He presented his ID to the guard and told my Mom to drive to Mississippi to her family and wait for him to call. As he was telling her that, a jeep pulled up full of armed guards. They escorted my Dad to the jeep and took off. We did not see him again for about 3 weeks. He finally called after the Russians stood down and told us we could come on up to VA. Many years later, sitting around a fire sipping drinks, he told me that he was 100% certain that we were going to war, and that there was a very good chance he and everyone he worked with would die in the first exchange. He said he was 50/50 if he wanted us to survive or be vaporized so we didn't have to live through what would follow. Scary times for sure.

[@markshoemaker65]

I was just an infant then, but remember the stories my Dad used to tell about when he was in the Marine Corp being on a ship loaded with rockets off the coast of Cuba and watching Russian military looking back at them through binoculars, a very intense time for sure.

[@novanut1964]

has the water inside been tested?

[@stuartsulewski5569]

What about the Silo Museum by Tucson Az?? It actually has a Training Missile in it!

[@rael5469]

An underground bunker is NOT necessarily safe. It is "confined space entry" and it could have an atmosphere that lacks oxygen.

[@natali1404]

+ radon, electricity??

[@rael5469]

@@natali1404 Well.....anything is possible in a confined space. Since it is decommissioned and not properly ventilated anything is possible. I would definitely take a detector in their with me. They have detectors for entering aircraft fuel tanks. I forget exactly how they work but they detect an unsafe atmosphere.

[@natali1404]

@@rael5469 simple canary may help a little

[@rael5469]

@@natali1404 No canaries wee harmed in the making of this video. ;)

[@gr3ygh05t9]

Those silos would make excellent bunkers.

[@onmyworkbench7000]

I would be worried that the Russians had forgotten or had neglected to remove the targeting coordinates for that sight from their missile systems!

[@homerthompson416]

I would hope they didn't forget it since if we got in a war with Russia I'd rather be vaporized instantly than have to succumb to radiation over a week or two or even worse survive long enough to have to deal with the famine the nuclear winter would cause.

[@prowlermadmax2]

When i lived in Anson, Tx for a year, i heard stories of these missile sights around Abilene, but didn't believe it.

[@caseymitchell5477]

There are two near Anson, one nearly in town

[@kestut]

That is a pretty high water table. I thought underground water was drying up from all the farm related pumping.

[@fuffoon]

What a dream.

[@derekheuring2984]

Texas just isn't home to Atlas ICBM missile silos, it's also home to several Nike SAM air defense sites. There is the remains of one a few miles north of Denton Texas on land now owned by UNT.

[@Rick-tb4so]

I can remember being in school and the siren goes off and we hid under our desks or in the hallway covered with our jackets... Today they dont want to install metal detectors in schools because our children will be affected.....poor little snowflakes..

[@MasterBiffPudwell]

I would live in there.

[@dennisstorie4604]

Atlas missle museum south of Tucson. Attached to the Pima air museum

[@colormedubious4747]

Titan II, actually.

[@thomastaylor6699]

Fortunately, we have never gone to DEFCON 2 or below! Let's hope and pray that a thermonuclear ear will never, ever, happen! I am a man of peace, and am also a born-again christian who believes in peace, not war.

[@greavous93]

You cant load a locked 45 so Lock and Load doesnt really work.

[@Lukediver66]

my God...how can you still think in feet yard and miles....the world goes in a different way...mah!

[@lawrenceklein3524]

My buddy's dad worked at one in the mid-1960's. Sometimes I'd tag along when his mom would go and pick him up from work. We had to park in a specially designated area and wait till the workers returned from the one mile long drive. This video makes it sound so mysterious and rare; it was fairly common in some regions, not just Texas.

[@fw1421]

I wasn’t aware there were any missile silos in Texas. I would think he would have the sump pumps replaced and drain the silo.

[@bubbablue1100]

Wait till yall learn about the underground interstate systems.

[@colormedubious4747]

We've heard about them. They do not exist. It's just another bat-guano crazy urban legend.

[@ChefDuane]

I seen where this located and wonder how one can get access or get a tour of the facility.

[@LivingAwake]

And we have been less focused on US protection since.

[@p.a.reysen3185]

Is the silo being pumped out to expose the launch cradle which should be in the lower third and too massive to remove at decomissioning?

[@TrailBum]

You can see each silo door on top has been patched. I've been to about 20 different silos, and they all have gouged pits on the doors. These pits are caused by practice smart-bombs that hit their targets. The doors in this video were patched. The big round rooms are hanging on giant springs. If they get a direct hit from an enemy nuke, the springs absorb the shock. Electrical fittings are usually gold-plated. Underground moisture gets everywhere, so this extra prevention was added to ensure conductivity.

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

The Atlas F was not the destructive force the world has ever know. That would go to the Titan II.

[@codyl3022]

I would love to explore this. I would gladly pay for a tour. Do you have a lead for Mr Larry?

[@carwashman]

Larry's phone # and email is in the description of the video. Ive met him, super nice guy. He loves to show the silo and give tours. Just remember to offer a donation Well worth the visit.

[@richardtorz2164]

That is scary to know both people sitting down there, whom were probably very good close friends after so long, could take out a 45 caliber gun each and have standing orders to shoot the one missile launcher who refuses to push the launch button. And if both people refused to launch the rocket, they would have to shoot each other, that was another standing order they had.

[@dicktaug4773]

Not quite true. The big boomers (Atlas, Titan) had multi-member crews, ie, more than two. Minuteman crews were always two-man, and it required both to launch missiles so it would not make sense for one to shoot the other, although at times I wanted to. No, we were not necessarily good friends with the people we were stuck with on alert. And, we all carried .38 revolvers, not, .45 autos, and only when the blast doors were open. Otherwise the weapon belts were hung on the racks.

[@billjenkins687]

He should immediately install pumps to dry that place out.

[@rt3box6tx74]

Agree! I wonder what size pump he needs to keep it dry. Chances are I have just what he needs out in my farm equipment boneyard growing rust. It's worth scrap metal prices if I ever get around to getting rid of it. I'd be willing to donate if he could get some help transporting and installing it. I wonder how many feet is considered 18 stories? He could do some hellacious irrigation on that 6 acres. He might even be able to sell the water. LOL, it's really an underground water tank.

[@allen480]

@@rt3box6tx74 Not sure if stagnant water would be appropriate for irrigation. See if you can test it by drinking some.

[@rt3box6tx74]

@@allen480 Cute!

[@hubriswonk]

Interesting to see what might be at the bottom.

[@thebeardedone1225]

Come on Larry, start pumping that water out. You could fill up a nice size stock tank with the amount that's in there.

[@noangel3652]

How about you guys telling us how much he paid $ just for laughs

[@Dustinpool87]

We used to play on those in west tx as kids😂

[@ralphowens4510]

I live about 3 miles from this

[@abelgarza3648]

He got all that he's blessed imagine the cost of building up all that in money he could live under ground free bomb shelter

[@ikasgc3340]

Time to install new pumps....

[@kingforaday8725]

Dye-us AFB? I've always heard it as Dice-AFB!

[@blackquiver]

Was JFK in PT 109. ??.

[@allen480]

Yes

[@LuisRuiz-sv2mz]

Funny how he puts that cross hair 🤣

[@maircraft4079]

There is a Titan missile in original order Near Tucson Az. open for tours. His claims (the only one) are not accurate. It even has a titan missile in it.

[@makapa2u]

There are silos for sale in Washington

[@vicentamartinez]

Wow

[@danielreinhardt937]

Missileer 1: Id do it you know, we get the call id kick off Armageddon in a heartbeat. Miseeleer 2: No way bro, no fckn way you would do it. Thats why im here, they know Id do it when you chickened out. Missileer 1: YOu did not just say that, ID TOTALLY DO IT IF WE GOT THE CALL! Missileer 2: There are those that could do it and those that couldn't, I was born to do it you were not. Missileer 1: DONT SAY THAT BRO! IVE BEEN TRAINING TO DO IT FOR YEARS ID TOTALLY DO IT! 'Missileer 2: No god damn way you'd do it. Missileer 1: I WOULDN'T FLINCH BRO! IM A MADMAN! FUCK NUCLEAR WINTER! Missileer 2: Bullshit, you dont scare me let alone the Russians! Missileer 1: *sigh* How much longer are we locked in here for on this shift? Missileer 2: Ten and a half fucking hours....

[@rge2410]

The Strategic Air Command’s HQ was in Bellevue, Nebraska during that time frame. They changed the name after the Soviet Union fell to the Strategic Command or StratCom for short and is still there to this day.