Secret Nuclear Facility in New Jersey Become Ghost Town of Tunnels

Picatinny Arsenal, located in New Jersey, served as a highly secretive nuclear weapons site for nearly twenty years. Originally established as a military research and development center, it later transformed into a secretive facility for storing and assembling bombs, warheads, and missiles during the Cold War. Today, the place is empty, with its tunnels reverberating the echoes of a mysterious atomic history.

The History of Picatinny Arsenal

Founded in 1880 as a powder depot for the U.S. Army, Picatinny Arsenal has grown over the years to include a wide range of military technologies, such as explosives, rockets, and electronics. In 1951, it took on a secret role as a nuclear weapons facility, operated by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project (AFSWP).

The Facility’s Structure and Function Picatinny Arsenal is divided into two zones: the “Q” area, which is used for storing, assembling, and inspecting nuclear weapons, and the “A” area, which houses offices, laboratories, and warehouses. These areas, marked by both physical barriers and secrecy, exemplified the secretive nature of the facility.

Picatinny Arsenal was responsible for handling a range of nuclear weapons, including bombs and warheads, and performing maintenance, inspection, and logistical tasks. The facility operated with strict secrecy and security protocols under the supervision of the AEC and AFSWP.

Also read: Exploring the Oldest Church in California State Till Now

The Life and Legacy of the Facility

With a focus on security and confidentiality, Picatinny Arsenal employs a large workforce primarily from Dover and Rockaway. Workers led a dual existence, seamlessly blending everyday routines with the secretive nature of their work. The facility was active until 1969 and its decommissioning marked the end of its covert era. Declassified in the 1990s, it still stands as a deserted relic, serving as a reminder of the foreboding presence of the Cold War.

In conclusion

Picatinny Arsenal’s hidden presence reflects the secretive past of New Jersey. Operating in utmost secrecy, the program played a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear weapons program, with workers strictly adhering to silence and security measures. Even though it was abandoned in 1969, it still stands as a quiet reminder of a time marked by atomic tension.