Yes I am referring to Manzana Weapons Storage Facility. It was also referred to as Manzana Base, when my late husband was stationed there in the mid 1960's, while he was in the Air Force. I was curious as to what type of instruments/equipment would have been used back then, to monitor the base for radiation. My computer searches haven't been successful in finding an answer. I may not know where to look, however. I would appreciate any information.
My dad came home from Vietnam in 1967 and was assigned to the 901st MI Detachment at Sandia base, which I believe was co-located with Manzana (and eventually merged). His unit provided counter-intelligence and security for the nuclear programs at these bases.
My dad passed away a few months ago, so I cannot ask him anything about the bases. I did read an account of another intelligence specialist in a book excerpt who was assigned there in the late 60s who conducted security exercises at both facilities. I will see if i can find the book. I don't know if it will shed any light on what you are searching for, but maybe it will give you some leads.
Thank you for your response. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. It is very difficult when the ones we love are no longer with us. My husband passed away 2 years ago at the age of 72. We had been married for 49 years.
I would be very grateful if you could find the name of the book you mentioned. It just might provide some historical information on Manzano Base. It was a long time before I knew about the nuclear weapons stored at Manzano Base. My husband and I didn't marry until he was out of the service. At that time he was pretty careful in talking about the Base.
I wondered what type of requirements were in place during the 1960's (and devices/equipment used) to check for radiation at Manzano and other nuclear weapons bases. I would appreciate any references pertaining to this subject.
Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
According to the National Archives Catalog Organization Authority Record for Kirtland Air Force Base, the facility was constructed by the Armed Forces Special Weapons Command between 1946 and 1950 and was originally designated “Site Able.” In 1952, it was renamed Manzano Base. In 1971, Manzano Base and Sandia Base was merged into Kirtland Air Force Base. Additional histories about Weapons Storage Sites and Manzano may be found on GlobalSecurity.org.
Thank you for all the references mentioned in your reply! I will surely look into all of them. I have been very grateful for the responses I have received since I posted my request on History Hub. Members of this group seem to be very respectful and helpful in assisting new members (such as myself) in the quest to find answers to posted request.
I am sorry this took so long to find. I could not recall which specific search terms originally led me to this book excerpt, but I was able to eventually find my way back to it. The book is called "A Gun and Cherries in the Bucket of Blood" by Greg Casadei. The author recounts stories of his family and their experiences as Italian-Americans. One of his relatives served in Military Intelligence at Manzano. The link below should take you to the relevant excerpt about Manzano.
Thank you for finding this book. I read the available excerpts on the link you provided. What I could read reminded me of what my husband had told me about Manzano base being super secret; and, about the weapon storage areas in the mountains. I want to purchase the book, but it is $23 (paperback) on Amazon. I prefer the book rather than an ebook; but, may have to get the ebook format anyway (much cheaper!). My library system doesn't have it in either format. I really appreciate you getting back with me; and, for taking the time to search for the link to the book.
I am also waiting to hear back from the Air Force on an inquiry made about the base.
Marilyn, I was in the AF, stationed at Sandia Base 1969-1972. I worked for DOD DNA. I was a computer operator. For two years an Army Sgt Roger Sorenson and me AF Sgt Tom Mitchell, carrying small arms, picked up punched cards (locked in box) on Sandia Base, drove all the way to Manzano AFB (mostly MPs on this base) We continue to drive inside the mountains, produced reports from the punch cards, and returned to Sandia. We did this twice a day. In 1971, we had a card reader and printer on Sandia Base and did not have to drive to the mountains. In 1972 I was put in charge of merging the data of the bases (Sandia and Kirtland. No more Sandia after the IT merger. From 1974 to 1983 I was employed, as a civilian by the same DOD DNA as a System Analyst.
Thank you for responding! I just haven't kept up with History Hub, with so much going on in the past 2 months. I am so glad you could add some more information regarding Manzano Base. My late husband was discharged from the AF in Sept, 1967. He had been at Manzano Base for 2 yrs prior to his discharge. I have been attempting to obtain information on the radiation safety procedures provided at Manzano Base during the mid to late 1960's. I have contacted the resources provided by this History Hub group: but, without much success. So much information seems to be archived. Usually one source will refer me to another. It's like a merry-go-round. I'm told that any radiation site inspection reports would have been destroyed by now. I also haven't been able to locate any information on military personnel dosimetry badge requirements during that time period. I plan to get back to my research as soon as I can.
I just thank you so much for describing your Sandia Base experience. I wish I had sent you a "thank you" before now. My regards.
