We take a look at the Cold War, as we discuss tensions with the USSR which led to the creation of a nuclear arsenal just beneath the plains of South Dakota. On this episode of Podcasts with Park Rangers, we visit Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Show Notes found at: https://www.virtualkamper.com/pwpr11/
Help keep the show on the road: https://www.patreon.com/virtualkamper/

Podcast Resources:

* NPS Website for Minuteman Missile NHS
* More Podcasts with Park Rangers Episodes

Topics Covered

* About Eric Leonard
* What Does A Superintendent Do?
* Delta-01 Launch Facility
* What Is The Missile?
* The Missile System
* Missile Combat Crew
* Security of the Missiles
* When Does The Cold War Start?
* Local Opinions About The Missiles
* Mutually Assured Destruction
* Why South Dakota?
* How Many Missiles?
* The Life of a Missileer
* Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Importance in the NPS
* Advancement of Technology
* Protests and Anti-Nuclear War Sentiment
* Why Preserve Sites Like Minuteman Missile?
* The Most Asked Question
* Eric’s Thoughts on Minuteman Missile
* Eric’s Thoughts on the NPS
* Volunteer.gov
* Thanks to Our Listeners – Let’s Connect More!

About Eric Leonard
Eric grew up in the National Park System because his father was a Park Ranger, and he would later follow in his dad’s footsteps. After college, he became a seasonal Ranger at Fort Larned National Historic Site and worked his way up to superintendent of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
What Does A Superintendent Do?
The superintendent is in charge of the park, but what does that mean? It means they make sure federal rules and regulations are followed, taxpayer funds are properly expended, and if something goes wrong the Superintendent is responsible.
Each park is specialized and has its own challenges. And while each park is independent, they still need to work as part of the bigger organization of the National Park System to uphold its mission.
Eric quotes the former director of the Park Service, Jon Jarvis, saying “We’re in the forever business.” His job is to make sure the park is preserved for future generations, and it will always look like it did the day it was set aside for preservation.
Delta-01 Launch Facility
We were fortunate enough to do the interview in the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility. It’s a several acre compound: a long ranch style building surrounded by a barbed wire fence with signs indicating the use of deadly force authorized.
Sometimes modern visitors come for tours and are thrown off by the threatening signage — thinking that they shouldn’t be there.
In the past, there were 10 air force personnel stationed at Delta-01. Eight were topside,