Cheyenne Mountain is notably recognized as the site housing the underground operation center for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
Overview of Cheyenne Mountain
- Location: Colorado, USA
- Construction Start Date: May 18, 1961
- Completion Date: February 6, 1967
- Total Cost: $142.4 million
Purpose and Functionality
Cheyenne Mountain Complex serves multiple critical functions:
- NORAD Combat Operations Center: It was excavated under the supervision of military engineers for the construction of this vital defense installation.
- Alternate Command Center: It functions as an alternative command base for NORAD and USNORTHCOM, ensuring leadership can coordinate operations in the event of a primary facility being compromised.
- Training Site: The complex also serves as a training site for crew qualification, ensuring personnel are well-prepared for their roles.
Operational Details
- Space Utilization: Currently, NORAD and USNORTHCOM occupy just under 30% of the floor space within the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.
- Population: They account for approximately 5% of the daily human presence in the facility.
- Day-to-Day Operations: Regular operations for NORAD and USNORTHCOM typically take place at Peterson Air Force Base, with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex being reserved for more critical operations.
Cheyenne Mountain stands as a pivotal site in North American defense strategy, housing a sophisticated underground operation center dedicated to nuclear missile tracking and aerospace defense. Its strategic significance is underscored by its advanced command-and-control systems and the readiness training it provides for military personnel.