Thursday, April 26, 2018 What an interesting day!  We spent the morning at the Titan II Missile Museum. This preserved site, officially known as complex 571-7, is all that remains of the 54 Titan II Missile sites that were on alert across the US from 1963 to 1987. The Titan II was America’s largest nuclear weapon, following the Atlas and Titan I missiles. We got to see the technology used by the US that helped deter nuclear war during the Cold War. How the building was constructed at the time was pretty amazing, too.  One of the best parts of the tour was our tour guide.  He had actually been a commander of the launch room during some of that time, so he had first-hand knowledge to share.  I got to be a Lt. Commander and turn one of the keys for a simulated launch. We saw where the launch codes were stored and what the whole process was in order to launch the missile.  Then we went through the tunnel to the silo where the actual missile was stored (minus the bomb, of course). We looked through the windows at the missile while the guide explained all of the parts and procedures. Later, after we climbed back up to the surface, we were able to look down on the missile from a special viewing platform. There was just so much fascinating information that I wish I could share it all. Not possible, of course. But if you are ever in Tucson, don’t pass it up.