Exploring Holloman AFB, NM's Backcountry

[KSJeep]

Today I headed out in search of a High Speed Test Track on Holloman AFB, NM. I heard about from some folks in the RV park we're staying at. After several miles of driving out on the reservation I finally found it. Being Sunday it was not open but they did have some outdoor displays. I'll have to head back out later when their open to get more info.

Been looking for a way to boost performance in the Jeep, think these folks could help.

On the way back out I ran across three old abandoned Blast Observation Bldgs. I originally thought they were to observe the Trinity Site blast, since the windows were facing that direction.

I then noticed one of the Bldgs was postioned next to this old launch ramp.

Appears these bldgs were to observe the launch and detonation of the rockets and test material from the earier times.

At the end of the ramp there was the remains of the old tower and steps.

I also ran across 3 old footings and as I stood there wondering what they could have been, I looked down and centered between the footing was this marker. Dated 1948.

After exploring the area I headed back home. This was just a quick few hours out, but decades back in time.

 

[mtsport03]

Cool stuff. I'm assuming you have to have security clearance to get to this stuff?

Edit: I just read your blog post. Answered my own question.

 

[KSJeep]

Being retired military, I can go anywere that is not restricted. The area is open with no "Do No Enter" Signs, Controlled or Restricted Area signs or No Photography signs, except at the High Speed Test Track at which no Photos were taken.

 

[Roverhound]

My son is stationed there as an assistant crewchief with the F-22 squadron. I need to get out there to check it out soon. Looks like a real cool place.

 

[KSJeep]

My son is stationed there as an assistant crewchief with the F-22 squadron. I need to get out there to check it out soon. Looks like a real cool place.

Yea, there lots of military history in Southern NM, between Holloman, White Sands and Ft Bliss.

 

[1leglance]

what a super cool day trip....
You hardly ever hear folks talk about Southern New Mexico yet here you are showing us some killer history, relics and buildings.

Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!

 

[EricG]

I've lived in NM for 3 months and seems like every day I find out about something going on out in the desert. Defiantly a lot of history here.

 

[Fireman78]

You would like the Trinity Site, on White Sands Missle Ranch, and the actual site is only open a toptal of 8 hours a year. The first sat of April and October.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

And the former Walker AFB, near Roswell...aside from the Roswell silliness, Walker was the largest SAC base when it was open, with Atlas ICBM's and their silos around.

The Atlas missile was so underpowered that they were typically based at a few thousand feet of elevation....they needed that little advantage to have enough range for their missions.

 

[Mad Max]

This is an ironic post.......I moved from Cloudcroft, NM near Alamogordo, to Az and was born and raised in Roswell. The Atlas silos are very cool and a popular party spot for us kids during the high school days. They went on the auction block a few years back selling for around $10,000! CHEAP! Some have converted them to homes, one advertised " beaming a message to outerspace" for a price...... hence the UFO silliness.

I am sure some can be explored still although probably illegal. The are dangerous , creepy, dark but definitely cool.

 

[JumpJ]

Great Pics. Love the military history in NM. I barely crossed the closed air space in a Dauphin N2 Helicopter once at Los Alamos landing at the hospital and some very nice, well armed men, in 4x4 white blazers with everything we dream about on them, made it to the hospital just after I touched down to make sure I knew that I had spent about nine seconds in restricted air space and they knew about it.

 

[KSJeep]

Cool stories guys, Thanks and glad you enjoyed the post.