GUARD TOWER
Bombers and their support aircraft were on alert at Strategic Air Command bases around the clock throughout the Cold War. The aircrews and supporting maintenance personnel lived with running distance of their fully armed and “cocked” aircraft in a mostly underground dormitory. They were there for only on reason, that their constant state of readiness and ability to conduct a devastating retaliatory strike on our enemies would deter any idea of a nuclear attack on the United States.
But if the horrific happened, a “klaxon” would warn that SAC Headquarters had detected a Soviet missile launch or bomber force directed at the United States and send the crews sprinting for the aircraft. The entire bomber force had to be in the air and proceeding to their predesignated targets within 15 minutes or risk being destroyed where they were most vulnerable, on the ground.
Combat Defense Squadron and later security police (security forces) were responsible for the defense and protection of all mission essential weapons and combat support systems as well as the aircrew and maintenance personnel who literally lived with the aircraft inside the heavily guarded alert area. No one, regardless of rank or standing, was permitted inside the area with a “secret” security clearance and specific reason to be there.
This observation tower was erected in 1973 inside the alert area about a half mile south of this location and manned by security policemen who monitored a panel of seismic and magnetic alarms, a system designated (FDS) fence detection sensors and “MAID MILES”, (Magnetic Anti Intrusion Device – Magnetic In-Line Electronic Sensors) in the fence and the ground surrounding the area perimeter. The tower’s radio call sign was “Safe Ramp.”
Any suspected intrusion brought a fast response from a two to three man, heavily armed Alarm Response Team (ART) inside the fence or a similarly equipped Security Alert Team (SAT) outside the fence. The use of deadly force was authorized in the event that security protocols were broken.
Safe Ramp tower remained manned 24 hours a day until the Soviet Union collapsed and the risk of a nuclear attack against the United States diminished. In September 1991 SAC’s alert forces were ordered to stand down and as Grissom’s alert aircraft were towed across the runway. the crews went home and Safe Ramp signed off the air.