Red, White & Greenland: A Tour of Thule Air Base

Stephen’s adventure with @TheUSO in Greenland continues as he gets a behind-the-scenes tour of Thule Air Base, including secret areas we can’t show on camera, and a chilling demonstration of how the Space Force will respond if an enemy nation launches intercontinental ballistic missiles at the United States.
#Colbert #Greenland #SpaceForce #TheUSO
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@feoman]

Whoever approved this silliness needs to continue doing so.

[@itwasagoodideaatthetime7980]

For me the best bit of this video was at the end where Stephen nearly crapped his pants when the battery died. & the the Air Force personnel's reaction to him doing so. Too Funny! 🤣👍

[@annalisavasquez8282]

Oh yes, then i couldn't stop laughing🤣

[@julioperez1850]

That was the best!!!

[@volleyjacket]

What a perfect way to alleviate the tension, because oof, what a distressing segment.

[@Maxislithium]

Perfection.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

"Battery, Aziz."

[@Kenn08koms]

The fear on his face when the sound went off for the dead battery is everything. The scene in itself was tense especially after learning about the red phone. I was even a bit terrified when the sound went off. Ahahaha

[@sevenprovinces]

"If he's working at the missile warning center? Then yes..." that cracked me up. Kudos lady.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

I never thought a phone could be described as terrifying but he is right. Especially after that "Hopefully somebody" line.

[@terrifritz5404]

The momentary silence of everyone said it all. It was enough to make me cry.

[@terradisiena]

Seriously, the magnitude of that answer. I echoed that moment of silence just trying to wrap my head around that.

[@LaMortDeLaMusique]

I wonder if they do have to occasionally test that it's still working? Obviously they'd have to clear with all involved that it's just a drill to ensure that line of communication is still working so nobody does a Colbert and craps themselves when it rings but I'd imagine it has to be checked every now and then?

[@josefkay5013]

I don't know exactly why, but just the sight of that big red "MilStar" phone nearly brought me to tears every time it was on camera. The very last hope, waiting right there.

[@mamawray]

It's very "Fail Safe" isn't it.

[@davidsavage6227]

My husband, who died on Sept. 1st this year, was in Armed Forces Radio out of Thule. He loved it up there. So neat to see this video!

[@denk2250]

I´m sorry for your loss.

[@mitchelkvedar674]

I’m so sorry

[@PADS62]

I'm so so sorry for your loss.

[@Dbeckdesign68]

How cool! I’m glad you got to see the video. He did important work.

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

My dad worked with them many years ago. Brought back memories!

[@Ragazar]

Man, imagine going through basic firearms training with a guy called Shute.

[@Genny-Zee]

Can you Shute a beam out of it

[@g0679]

I heard of a surgeon named Butcher.

[@annalisavasquez8282]

😂

[@N0d4chi]

Imagine theres a Lt Straight too. At the range "Shoot straight private!" In Unison "Yes Sir"

[@danielgehring7437]

-Fire at Will.

[@eastunder55]

I worked at Thule Air Base twice about 15 years ago and I recognized some of the scenes in this video. The place is a testament to what billions of tax dollars can build in the most inhospitable place on earth. I'm glad I got to work there but I never want to go back.

[@chayofire9202]

Thank you for your service!!

[@Dbeckdesign68]

It does look imposing and a bit depressing. I’d love a chance to visit but I’m not sure I could deal with working there.

[@darikis3437]

@@Dbeckdesign68 Im sure a potted plant could liven up the work space. Maybe some fun motivational posters.

[@martinrotvig]

Sure, you can do a lot when you force people from their land, to build an illegal military base. Really something to be proud about.... Let's not forget about the nuclear waste you refused to clean up.

[@rwandaforever6744]

Sure. Why not just dumk on a wonderful island where real, non-foreign military people actually live and call it "most inhospitable place on earth"? You probably would find it rude if someone would shlt on your home state and we know you would start a war if someone shlts on the US of A, but, yeah, Greenland...only some Native People and Danish Citizens there, do not hold back, right? About the same climate as Alaska. Why not tell your fellow US citizens in Alaska how you do not like their state? But what could one expect from someone from the US. I am with Pingo on this.

[@JoeNoshow27]

As a Canadian, I can't say we have nukes, but we do have intercontinental geese launching war canoes. (You laugh now, but when you hear Valkyrie of the Geese, you'll know the end is nigh).

[@janetstreet7264]

😂

[@PADS62]

🤣😅😂

[@cybhunter007]

Channeling Robin Williams "I Could Turn This Place Into Chicken Tikka" Canada doesn't have any Nuclear Weapons, they probably have a secret arsenal of ICMMs'; Intercontinental Maple Missiles; It makes everything all sticky. Quebec probably have French Bombs; "vous ne parlez pas français? Au revoir" 😅

[@stealthattack2209]

Lol

[@melbacarlson1232]

🤣😂👍

[@o.b.7217]

Hahaha...that "beep-beep-beep" from the dying battery. I had a quite similar experience, once. Since then, I know that the sound of the most innocent alarm can cause people to pale, that you'd never expected to see getting pale. All it takes is the right environment and the right time.

[@eduardolarrymarinsilva76]

Ok, now I want to hear that anecdote

[@skygazer858]

I loved Lt. Weber's 'Hopefully'.

[@Vyzard]

8:47 The look of horror on Stephen face when he heard that beeping, as he crapped his virtual pants hah. He must have thought those were missile warnings or the red phone ringing

[@Gnug215]

Well, at least now we know that when nuclear war happens, the people warning the world about it are really nice and friendly!

[@lorrie2878]

And YOUNG!

[@edwingonzalez3703]

You miss the part about the politicians been the ones going to safety first . Now you know why they act like gods because they know any end of work events they are take care first.

[@edwardroche2480]

And they probably know that they aren't the ones getting bombed!

[@gcromer903]

@@edwardroche2480 yeah. Because screaming "Hello?!" into the abyss for 10 years after you saw your world light up is so much better.

[@ewenchan1239]

I LOVE how the military personnel remain professional throughout Stephen's shenanigans.

[@tompatchak8706]

Oh man. Ya gotta!

[@cachi-7878]

They are on camera for the world to see.

[@richardsimon4135]

Although I know someone's always watching the sky for ICBMs, it was really cool to see some of the people and what they actually do. Thank you so much for keeping us safe! Y'all friggin rock!

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

They didn't show who actually works there. They brought in some enlisted for the show but everyone that actually mans those stations are civilian contractors.

[@josemelendez8549]

I like their attitude. Most good military personnel understand their job and perform it to the very end. US Navy Viet vet

[@FirstLast-di5sr]

Thank you for your service!

[@josemelendez8549]

@@FirstLast-di5sr 👍

[@BeforeTheDarkAge]

Had two tours in Iceland in the Air Force. This reminds me of those days.

[@roypiltdown5083]

OMG i worked in SAC [Strategic Air Command] my whole time in the Air Force - B52s, cruise missiles, NUKES, airborne radars that can roast a rabbit from 50 yards away, etc - and it is just ADORABLE how clueless & naive civilians STILL are about how things work on a nuke base. Steve, love your stuff, and thanks for donating your time to the USO - too few "celebrities" are willing to do so these days.

[@mitchellminer9597]

They were all wearing outdoor camouflage, and Stephen was the one dressed to blend into an office environment. Good show, all.

[@FirstLast-di5sr]

I'm so glad Colbert got to do this! Not only does it look like to had genuine fun, he successfully managed to bring us all along for it as well! Thank you all!

[@disappearintothesea]

8:47 the terror on Stephen's face hahha

[@pattysylvanbutterfly433]

God bless our service men & women serving in Thule & the rest of the world. It was great to see their professionalism, dedication, & their sense of humor. May the Milstar phone never be truly needed 🙏 Nice work Mr. Colbert!

[@Beth-ie]

Imagine all the psychological testing of this crew? Some steady-ass, dedicated-to-mission Space Force members. No hesitation allowed.... for billions of _people's lives_ are at stake. I do not want that job. 🇺🇸 *Thank you for your outstanding service!* 🇺🇸

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

it's operating on bubble gum, shoe string and prayers. you have no idea.

[@wharris123184]

“…And who picks that up on the other end?”🧐 *”Hopefully, somebody.”*😊 Somehow, that was funny, adorable and chilling all at the same time.

[@allthingswavy6420]

Gave me "On the Beach" vibes--eek.

[@lorrie2878]

Here, here!

[@ktinxx]

@Will Harris Whole block buster movies and many tv series are centered around the idea that NO-ONE is picking up that phone...

[@steveaustin2686]

Yes. That made me laugh as well.

[@carlyar5281]

@@allthingswavy6420 On the Beach was exactly what I was thinking of. More people need to read that novel.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

That tunnel? is a throwback to THE THING 1951. Waiting for Jim Arness in claws and fangs at the end. Terrific.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

Been in the tunnels. Yeah It wasn't fun going alone. Especially since there are very loud exhaust fans that make it more creepy.

[@katoffeevhs9798]

this is so good!! reminds me of old cobert report segments

[@brabbelback2757]

it's funny to see that stephen just dresses like my dad when he is out and about :D

[@hiraya5296]

well stephen is a dad who teaches at sunday school

[@JacWarner]

Space Force is still a ridiculous name but what an extraordinary experience.

[@Taricus]

I agree that the name is stupid, but I honestly can't think of what else we *would* call it LOL! Honestly, I thought the Air Force handled that stuff already LOL!

[@darryldouglas6004]

@@TaricusYes. Space Command is the designation.😃

[@JohnL2112]

@@Taricusthey… do. Just with a different uniform now

[@deborahbarnes6741]

Someone posted it was called Air Force Space Command when under control of the Air Force.

[@darryldouglas6004]

@@deborahbarnes6741 They still have Space command. Space Force doesn’t replace it. I believe. Been a long time since I was USAF.

[@beldaadrovel2990]

Was the battery dying planned?! 🤣 🤣 TOO PERFECT!!! LOVE ❤️ the horror look on Steven's face!!! 😲 💩

[@rayhall5280]

So cool! My father in law was stationed in Thule right after WW2. They didn't have so much technology back in 1945. He told me he used to freeze his butt off working on planes.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

Posts like that can be so dreary waiting for substantive activity. Colbert's visit was probably the equivalent of an actual launch for those folks. With no shitting of pants.

[@DregonGaming28]

Colbert almost crapped his pants when the camera battery beeeps.. 🤣🤣🤣💯

[@jonathanvanier]

Fun fact, Canada did have nuclear weapons for a while. Technically they were "on loan" from the US, so we could deny that Canada "owned" any nukes. They were hosted on bases in Quebec and Ontario. Then in the 1980s we decided (as far as is publicly known) to become a nuclear weapons free country. Another fun fact is that the northernmost early detection base for the joint USA-Canada North American Air Defence is actually in Canada; it's called Alert Base and is further north than Thule.

[@desmond-hawkins]

I looked it up so might as well share: at 4:58 when she says "", *L.&P.I.* means Launch and Predicted Impact, or the confirmed trajectory of a missile and the estimated target point. She's confirming that they're seeing the same thing, something ‎Stanislav Petrov wished he could have done in 1983.

[@Kjleed13]

“They’re not all accounted for, the lost MILSTAR Phones. We don’t know who else could be listening.” The setup was there. 😂

[@markabrice]

Man, hats off to these folks. Very professional--and good sports.

[@EvilPikachu]

Sees Ultima Thule in the thumbnail. *Close In The Distance intensifies*

[@sunnyday237]

“ and who picks that up” “Hopefully somebody” Terrifying stuff

[@moonstoneway2694]

Quite a behind the scene peek!

[@Dbeckdesign68]

I like how he got the kids to smile and laugh a little. The end was hilarious. “You’re f**kin’ fired” 😂

[@stephencoldbear]

Wrong video. There were no kids in this.

[@ppleeatpple]

@@stephencoldbear you've never heard an older person refer to young people as kids? It's older lingo but just think about it like in Scooby-Doo the bad guy always complains about "meddling kids"

[@edvin884]

I have a feeling that the big red post armageddon phone realy shocked Steven.

[@AzraNoxx]

"If he's working at the missile warning center, then yes." I laughed so hard and hysterically that I might have made my roommate nervous.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

This is just THE BEST. Love to ALL Service Members serving in Greenland & THANKS ALWAYS, Stephen & LSSC Crew!

[@scottdoesntmatter4409]

These people are so very serious that i would make it my mission in life to make them bust out with a belly laugh!

[@stephencoldbear]

Why doesn't Scott matter? 😢

[@scottdoesntmatter4409]

@@stephencoldbear Because my last name doesn't matter. I didn't want to put in my full name.

[@agona4373]

2:48 Run Stephen run!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@j10001]

6:00 “So that’s the post-nuclear-attack phone. [long thoughtful pause] And who picks that up on the other end?” “Hopefully somebody.” 😮😢

[@pamelaramsey9479]

As funny as this is, it is so scary. Thank you men and women of Space Force for you unwavering allegiance to our Constitution, to our country, and to our government.🇺🇸❤️🙏🇺🇸❤️

[@FirstLast-di5sr]

Agreed 🇺🇸☮❤

[@lexas1]

That was impeccable timing when the battery died. Kind of a reminder that those million to one chance events can happen...

[@icantollie]

Or: they edited out all the dead time and idle footage in between shots when not much of anything in particular was going on

[@FelixWarren]

That was tense. Can't believe the battery went out right then.

[@FutureCommentary1]

Sergeant Shute. Love at first sight. He's all like Yes Sir even though he is talking to a complete joke our very own Stephen.

[@yearight5050]

When the alarm rang and he ran out of the satellite room was hilarious.

[@carlyar5281]

I was waiting for that!

[@laugesen18]

Wonder how many takes they had to do, and not crack up 😂😂😂

[@EARTHMUSIC3]

"Hopefully somebody!" picks up the post-apocalyptic Big Red Phone!!! 🤯🙏

[@laalaa99stl]

I guess the uploads were late because they needed to be cleared with NSA. It tickles me to know that the Russians and Iranians will study these videos anyway to see if any secrets slipped through. 😁

[@richart58]

Cleared by the DOD , nothing classified. I work there

[@Ndizzyinthehizzy]

I can tell it's old because the sun is out in the Arctic Circle, and it's currently December.

[@beeble2003]

I don't see why uploading to KZbin would require any more clearance than broadcasting on national television. The Russian and Chinese embassies have TVs, you know.

[@jacquelinevs]

Would have been epic if they also brought Steve Carell

[@joesdi]

Right? 🤣

[@TerryAllenSwartos]

6:05 “Hopefully, somebody.” 😬 And, “…if he’s working at the Missle Warning Center, yes.” 🤣

[@davidb6576]

Did the cameraman have to stay in Thule after he was fired? Did the Space Force find a use for him, such as cleaning latrines? And how do you clean a latrine when everything's frozen?

[@Enyavar1]

Cleaning is done with the secrets hidden in the door of 0:39 onwards

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

You start with a layer of de-icing salt and then a good scrub.

[@lynnlytton8244]

Cleaning up after ICBMs is what they're all about. I'm sure they find a way.

[@jpdemer5]

Dynamite.

[@wammer122]

One of the funniest bits ever

[@goldenbadger8247]

i wish there was more. Military bearing was excellent despite Colbert's best efforts

[@kc10man]

Thanks for doing this Stephen

[@dogscratchedoor]

Since they never use the phone, you suppose they check it now and again to see if it's working?

[@Stuff8522]

Currently TDY to Pituffik Space Base, formally Thule Air Base. I crawled around in the Minuteman missile silos, dipped my feet in the Arctic Ocean, and climbed Dundas mountain. No trees, no shrubs, no grass, just rocks and ice. This place in unlike any other place on earth.

[@womanofsubstance8735]

These Space Force segments are great! Funny, and a little informational, too. I am surprised that no one has mentioned Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, nicknamed "Star Wars program", from 1984 (the year, not the book).

[@rogerhonacki5610]

Continuity of government. Without the governed. Seems like an oxymoron to me!

[@DarylBark]

I would so love to see the Countries on this Planet work together to access and deal with threats from space. At this stage the threats are Asteroids and the like but you never know what might come our way in the future. Go Space Force!

[@dogscratchedoor]

NASA blasted an asteroid off course And gave it a tail and that's not enough for you?

[@DarylBark]

@@dogscratchedoor I'm sorry am I missing the word "International" in the abbreviation NASA? And no it's not enough, not by a long shot. It was a start and I applaud all who were involved but International cooperation has been far too slow and far too infrequent. The dangers of collision are increasing much faster than our combined efforts to detect and deal with them so we'd better get on it in my opinion lest we join the dinosaurs.

[@nehemiahalvarado1209]

Glad Space Force is getting some recognition nowadays.

[@raipa111]

The Lieutenant has got the nicest voice. This is exactly the person I'd want to call me and inform me of a nuclear attack.

[@Aratto]

I agree, post fallout planning is scary.

[@jabehauber]

Dudes , I didn't think it was possible, but Stephen is right: the big red phone is indeed the scary piece of equipment on that base.

[@CasualCoreK]

Tales of loss and fire and faith, indeed.

[@alittlebirdi]

I both surprised, and not, that there's not more folks referencing this lol.

[@lorenzoberner7110]

I love Stephen but conans remotes are just unbeatable

[@Genny-Zee]

Nice that there’s finally a replacement as engaging as Conan Without Borders. I hope Cold-bear does more of these!!

[@annalisavasquez8282]

Me too, so much fun

[@scottdoesntmatter4409]

nah, Conan was better. Oh well.

[@Kreepyb5]

Thankyou for this Stephen" man/boy" Colbert!! Love this!!👍🏽💯✌️

[@Enyavar1]

So, now what's probably in the ICMOC/IMWOC room? Is it a storage cabin for thermal underwear, does it have to do with oceanic surveillance, or is it the secret center of the International Cabal of Marine and Offshore Constipation? No theories on aliens, please, Stephen has made plenty already and I'm satisfied on that front.

[@michaelSlick50]

This is how all news should be. This, and Tooning Out The News.

[@NewMessage]

The worst part of the end of the world is the rudeness for sure.

[@EricLinstone]

If Weber's voice was the last I heard before the bombs fell... that would be ok. She has a lovely voice. Let's hope it never comes to that though!

[@lawrencef4356]

These guys are so professional … omg I feel so safe .☺️

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

if only you knew how things really are.

[@lawrencef4356]

@@johndoe-ek6vl explain …

[@meganh4011]

Thank you for your service

[@CaptainFabulous84]

Pierce is HOOOOOOT!!!

[@johnmahoney4841]

John was a big favorite, he’s got big band energy. Over this past year tho seeing you all shine a bit more is F#ckin’ amazeballz!! Please keep it up, showcase the band! Showcase the talent!

[@andruism7]

Whispers falling silently, drift on the wind But I hear you Our journey now a memory fading from sight

[@jadestinger]

FLOWING, WINDING, TOWARD ETERNAL SEA... AND YET OUR HOPE REMAINS

[@christineschueneman4147]

Thank you Stephen! So proud of these guardians 😊

[@robertspeer]

Bob Hope would love this

[@ocrow8079]

I appreciate the reality check...

[@verslalchimie5824]

First requirement for joining the nuclear early warning crew should be that you can never say "nucular"

[@hypercomms2001]

Impressed that Sun Microsystem terminals and Solaris is still being supported......

[@johnwestcott5612]

I used to do some Sun support myself. YEARS AGO.

[@LerockJohn]

6:00 that question gave me chills....

[@ssssssssssss885]

One can tell how they're fighting to not crack laughing, though Colbert probably asked them to try not to.😀

[@stephenjacks8196]

At their Academy they teach Space Cadets.

[@mrtelechi]

🤣😂'You're f*cking fired'... pmsl...

[@cindykaywebster4643]

That was one of the best shows ever!

[@kinsmed]

Informative in an entertaining way. Kudos, Mr. Colbert & Co.

[@807800]

That's actually chilling.

[@intothemystic3374]

Lovin' Cold Bear!! Who would have guessed "hopefully someone" could be so damn funny 🤣🤣🤣

[@blackwolf-sf1dy]

Was at Thule 30 years ago before space force

[@Tarquin2718]

This is so amazing. They should have done this along time ago, keep going. The more you know ^__^

[@mindydonham8300]

I loved this! How fun!

[@tommyt1971]

There's one very important outcome here: those folks have nerves of steel and it took a Colbert going up there to get them all to laugh.

[@Juicexlx]

What? They wanted to obliterate Québec? Oh, Phew! It was just Ottawa. Go-on...Please proceed. 🤣🌶⚜

[@bladerunner7146]

This would have also been a great bit for Conan O'Brien.