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NORAD is still alive and smaller under Cheyenne Mountain
NORAD
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NORAD today, stills sits under the caverns of Cheyenne Mountain, even though its in a warm 
status. It may not be as large as it once was due to the consolidation of NORAD and Northcom now housed mainly at Peterson Air Force Base, but its still there protecting us from not just external but now internal threats with the help of the FAA.
In 1957, both Canada and the United States were reeling from the threats of the Soviet Union, especially after the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik. Everyone was scared and even schoolchildren were drilled on diving under their desks and covering their heads in case of a nuclear strike. Both countries realized the importance of a continental home alarm system. This lead to the creation of NORAD at Ent Air Force Base (now the Olympic Training Center).
Why was Colorado Springs chosen as the command center for the newly formed NORAD? Mainly because of its location. It was beyond the reach of the soviet missiles of the day. Even bombs of the time could not have penetrated the mountain. In May 1961, blasting began on the center. It finally opened in 1966 with a cost of over $142 million, an enormous sum even in those days. When completed it could be a temporary self -sustaining unit. Its enclosed by 25 ton steel blast gates and hundreds of feet of solid granite. It has a series of large chamber covering more than 4 1/2 acres. Each building rests on on immense coil steel springs for protection from nuclear blasts or earthquakes. Along with its extensive ventilation system, there are food stores and a natural water spring to provide nourishment in case, they would have to lock themselves in.
NORAD continued to evolve as the times changed. In the 1990’s they even helped track drug smugglers. An Air Force Space Command even tracks space debris and satellites, which makes it safer for our astronauts (this has been moved to California). Strategic Command also housed at Cheyenne Mountain is moving to Shriever Air Force Base.
NORAD has become a magnet for space -related business and the city of Colorado Springs became a magnet as a space capital of the world. Take a look at the city and you’ll find plenty of space related companies housed here.
Even though NORAD is scaling back as some of its units move elsewhere, its relevancy is increasing not decreasing due to growing threats. NORAD will live on because of its mission to our national survival lives on. Of course, Santa tracking on Christmas Eve will still be an important task for the men and women stationed at NORAD. Since 2001, there have been no public tours and as of this writing there seem to be no plans to start them again.
NORAD still houses many fine men and women. They still have a wonderful support staff of military police officers, firefighters and even cooks to maintain a quality lifestyle for those stationed at Cheyenne Mountain Air Base. There is no actual base housing for the military at Cheyenne Mountain Air Base. They are quartered at Peterson Air Force Base.
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
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