These Rare Photos Of An Underground Military Base In Nebraska From The 1960s Are Astounding
The military has a long and important history in Nebraska, and Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue has played a significant role in the military for more than a century. In the 1950s through 1970s, when fear of nuclear war was at its height, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) was a vital part of our nation’s defense system. These photos from the National Security Archive give a rare look into the top-secret underground facility in the late ’50s through the ’60s.
1. A young Staff Sergeant guards the SAC headquarters entrance in 1959.
Three stories above ground were dedicated to administrative duties. Three further stories below ground were dedicated to the state of the art control center. An electronic device called the "Snifter" could detect radiation within 50 miles. In the event of a nuclear event, the device would set off an alarm that would cut off the underground command center from the rest of the world. It would then become a self-contained safe area.
3. A look at the SAC Command Post Headquarters in 1961.
Data was transmitted to SAC via a global network and displayed on large screens in the underground command post. Information on weather, aircraft and missile positions, and other essential data could be processed and displayed on the screens within 30 seconds.
Five Boeing KC-135 jet tankers were converted to aerial battle headquarters for use in the event that the SAC Headquarters was bombed and became incapacitated. One of these flying headquarters was in the air within radar range of Offutt and on a 15-minute alert basis 24 hours a day.
7. General Thomas Power conducts a briefing in the underground command post, circa 1960.
Thankfully the threat of a nuclear attack on the US was never realized, so most of the safeguards in place during this time period were never needed. This then-state of the art facility has since been replaced with a new headquarters, and Offutt AFB continues to play a vital role in the US military. Were you in the military during this time, or did you work at the base? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
