Atlas Missile Explosions

[Tim]

Curious if some of the "old" Atlas members have any information concerning the early 1960s missile explosions that occured at Walker AFB. As I understand it, these incidents happened during propellant loading exercises. Three Atlas sites were destroyed and subsequently SAC made a decision to phase out both the Atlas and Titan I systems. On another note, I greww up as a AF brat on Dyess AFB. Near the family home, there is an old Atlas site off of Hwy 277 south of Abilene. Any info on that particular site? Point of interest: near said site is an old abandoned Nike site. My father had Army friends that were assigned to the Army unit that manned the Nike system that "ringed" around the Abilene/Dyess area.

Tim, 490th SMS 1981-1985

[col.satch]

Tim,
Regarding your query, "Near the family home, there is an old Atlas site off of Hwy 277 south of Abilene. Any info on that particular site?"
The site is Dyess S-9, referred to as the Shep Site. Shep was among the 12 Dyess Atlas sites totally salvaged following deactivation. Salvage operations were so thorough, even the steel floors of the LCC were removed.
The site is now owned by a dive shop owner out of Midland, who brings divers there to enjoy the over 120 feet of crystal clear, 58 degree water that has collected since the sumps were removed. It's a very interesting dive!
The Nike (Hercules) site you mentioned was Battery A of a two site system operated by the Army's 5th Missile Battalion. The site had six earthen revetments that isolated twelve Nike launchers and their nuclear-tipped multi-sonic ground-to-air missiles. Battery B was located north of Abilene on FM 600, adjacent to Lake Ft. Phantom's east side.
Let me know if you want to know anything more about either.
Glad to share!
Col.Satch