The Nuke-Proof US Military Base in a Mountain — Half as Interesting

Quick Overview

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado is the US military's highly secure, nuclear-proof underground facility for NORAD, designed to withstand a 30-megaton nuclear blast and operate independently for months, serving as the brainstem of the US government during an apocalypse.

Summary

Key Points: The US government has multiple highly fortified facilities across the country, including Raven Rock Mountain Complex and Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, for relocation during a nuclear war. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring North American airspace and detecting threats like missiles, drones, and aircraft. NORAD's primary headquarters during a nuclear war would be the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs, considered the most nuclear-proof place on Earth. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is protected by curved access tunnels, two 25-ton blast doors, 610 meters of granite, and rests on 1,319 industrial springs to absorb blast shocks. The facility is over-pressurized to prevent chemical/radiological contamination and uses metallic oxide varistors to protect against electromagnetic pulses (EMP). Inside, 15 steel buildings house critical centers like the Missile Warning and Command Centers, along with amenities like a Subway, gym, and a natural mountain spring providing 4.5 million gallons of water. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is designed to operate independently for months, ensuring the brainstem of the US government remains functional even after widespread destruction.

Context: The video explores the United States' highly secretive and fortified underground facilities designed to ensure the continuity of government and military operations in the event of a catastrophic nuclear war. It highlights the strategic importance and advanced protective measures of these sites, particularly focusing on the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, which serves as the headquarters for NORAD.

Detailed Analysis

In the event of a nuclear war, the US government has a continuity of operations plan to scatter its key functions to highly fortified facilities across the country. The military and Department of Defense would relocate to the Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania, while the executive branch would likely move to the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Frogtown, Virginia. However, the most secure facility is the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs, which houses NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). NORAD's primary role is to monitor North American airspace, detecting and intercepting unauthorized aircraft, drones, or missiles, and would be crucial for assessing a nuclear attack. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is designed to be virtually indestructible, featuring curved access tunnels to deflect blast forces, two 25-ton blast doors capable of withstanding a 30-megaton detonation from 1.2 miles away, and 610 meters of solid granite above. The entire facility rests on 1,319 industrial springs to absorb earthquake shocks from blasts. It is also slightly over-pressurized to prevent chemical or radiological particles from entering. Inside, 15 steel-built buildings house critical operations like the Missile Warning Center, Space Control Center, and Command Center, all protected from electromagnetic pulse (EMP) by metallic oxide varistors. The complex is self-sufficient, with six power generators, a 10.5-megawatt power plant, a diesel fuel reservoir, and a natural mountain spring providing 4.5 million gallons of water, allowing it to operate for months completely cut off from the outside world.