Hidden in the Mountains: The United States' Military Bases

The United States boasts an array of military bases strategically located in mountainous regions for various reasons, including security, operations, and defense. These bases often serve as crucial command centers and secure locations for both active and civilian operations. Let's delve into the details of these unique military installations.

Official Military Bases Inside Mountains

There are currently four confirmed military bases located inside mountains in the United States. These bases play important roles in national security, command and control operations, and emergency response scenarios. Here are the details of each:

Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Wyoming

Located in the Rocky Mountains, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex is a prominent space station that serves as the alternate command post for the Space Force. It houses the NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), a joint U.S. and Canadian organization responsible for the surveillance, detection, and defense against threats to North American airspace and maritime approaches. This complex is renowned for its advanced technology and strategic location.

Raven Rock Mountain Complex, Pennsylvania

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the Raven Rock Mountain Complex is a joint forces facility that houses the Alternate National Military Command Center (ANMCC). This center serves as a secure backup to the National Military Command Center in Washington D.C., providing an alternative for command and control in the event of a catastrophic event. The facility is designed to ensure that military operations can continue even under the most adverse conditions.

Mount Weather, Virginia

Mount Weather, also known as the High Point Special Facility, is another mountaintop location that has a significant military presence despite being owned by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). This site is part of the Federal Relocation Arc, a series of locations designated for the relocation of government personnel in the event of a national crisis. Unlike Cheyenne Mountain and Raven Rock, Mount Weather's facilities are primarily on the mountain's surface rather than within its depths, making it unique among the military bases in this list.

Orange One, Maryland

Orange One is a secretive US Navy facility that has carved out a cavernous space inside a mountain near Maryland's president's retreat, Camp David. This location serves as a presidential command post, although its status is currently unclear. Some sources suggest that it may have been replaced by newer facilities. Despite this uncertainty, Orange One remains an important component of the nation's military infrastructure.

Unofficial Military Bases Inside Mountains

While the official military bases are well-documented, there are several unofficial mountain locations that are less known and less studied. The United States Department of Defense does not officially acknowledge or disclose the operations of these sites, which adds to their intrigue and mystery. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Peters Mountain, Virginia

Peters Mountain, located in Virginia, is one of the unofficial mountain bases that are believed to have active military operations. The exact nature of its operations and the organizations involved are not publicly known, but given its mountainous terrain, it likely serves as a secure and strategic location for various military activities.

Short Hill Mountain, Virginia

Short Hill Mountain, another viTal mountain in Virginia, is also believed to house a significant military presence. This site is often shrouded in mystery, with little information available about its operations or the organizations that operate it. Its location in a mountainous region likely provides it with unique advantages for military purposes.

Conclusion

The United States' military bases located in mountainous regions are a testament to the strategic importance of these locations. From the sophisticated NORAD operations at Cheyenne Mountain to the secure ANMCC at Raven Rock Mountain, these bases play a critical role in maintaining national security and ensuring continuity of operations in times of crisis.

While some of these bases are well-documented, the existence of unofficial locations adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the overall picture of military operations in the mountains. These bases, both official and unofficial, continue to serve as vital components of the nation's defense infrastructure.