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.
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.
