I entered the Air Force on 1 Aug 72 and proceeded
directly to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I completed
six weeks of basic training, and then was assigned to Sheppard AFB in Wichita
Falls, Texas. I was enrolled in the Missile Electronic Equipment Specialist
program. This was a 32.2 week course, and I graduated as an honor student.
I was then transferred to McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas where I was
assigned to the 381'st MIMS (Missile Inspection and Maintenance Squadron).
While stationed there, I was responsible for a wide variety of procedures.
After about one year, I was designated team chief when we went out to the
missile sites. The missile sites were anywhere from 35 to 55 miles from
the base in a circle around Wichita. At this time, I was only an Airman
First Class (two stripes), and many site commanders questioned my ability
until they saw my performance. Before long, I achieved the rank of Sergeant
(three stripes), and this was my rank when I departed the USAF.
Much of our work was routine inspections.
This was due to the fact that we didn't actually fire the missiles. The
control center had a computer called the Missile Fault Locator (MFL). This
kept track of all missile functions, and when there was a problem, it was
usually an MFL problem. We would replace a drawer of circuit boards
to correct the problem at the site, and then take the drawer back to the
shop to troubleshoot down to the exact board in the drawer. There was a
possibility of 60 boards per drawer. The missile was a liquid propellant
missile, and the fuel and oxidizer were corrisive and extermely poisonious.
We were required to carry a Portable Vapor Detector (PVD) every where we
went around the missile. There was a two man policy everywhere on the missile
site due to the fact that nuclear technology was involved. I had a secret
security clearance, and there was nowhere anyone could go on site alone;
there had to be at least two people together at all times.
Another area of concern for my shop was the Battery
Power Supply and the Motor Generator. The Motor Generator was powered by
AC from a commercial facility. The Motor Generator then regulated the power
to 230 VAC three phase +- 3VAC. The Battery Power Supply was a backup in
case the commercial power failed. There were actually two battery power
supplies; one was a backup for the backup. We had to inspect these on a
monthly basis. The Motor Generators needed brushes changes about every
three months. The last six months I was in the Air Force, I stayed in the
shop and maintained the PVD's.
While I was in the USAF, the Viet Nam War
ended and anyone interested in getting out to go to college was allowed
an early out. I was honorably discharged on 21 Jan 76.
For more information about Titan II Missiles visit
the Titan Missile
Museum. Here you will see pictures of the complex, missile, and some
related equipment. Lookheed
Martin Astronautics-Space Launch Systems has information about Titan
III, IV, and further uses of Titan II Missiles. It has been rumored that
old Titan II missiles may be used to launch some of the Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) satellites for the upcomming revolution in communications.
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