~~
Note: This cache was placed with the consent of the business property owner.
This Cache is a mix of puzzle cache and gadget cache. Finding this cache should be easy (it is at the posted coordinates), but signing the log will be a little more difficult, and requires some research in order to “authenticate” the lock codes, and “activate” the launch system. A launch control facility is where those brave airman spend a good deal of time, waiting for the dreaded “message”, which would have ultimately ended with a devastating outcome. The cache is painted Sea Foam green. Same color as the missile silos and launch facilities. No one quite knows why the Air Force chose that color, but it was not a pleasant color to stare at. Many “self-proclaimed” artists painted some creative murals inside the launch facility. Check it out http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/perusing-the-blast-door-cave-art-of-nuclear-armageddon
A typical missile combat crew consists of two officers a Missile Combat Crew Commander (MCCC) and a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander. The two-man concept was used to prevent unintentional launches of ICBMs. Years ago, when they received the message to begin the launch sequence, they would follow their T.O. procedures and eventually turn the keys to launch the missile. These keys were separated by enough distance so that one person could not launch the missile themselves (thus the two-man concept). You only need one person for this cache. Messages were used to communicate to the crews, and these messages needed to be authenticated. That is the premise of the locks on the cache.
You will need some tools when you arrive at the cache:
1. 2 each “AA” batteries
2. A writing instrument.
3. The Tech Order (T.O.) which should provide all the instructions you need (see attached).
4. The codes to open the locks which you need to research and decipher (see below for puzzle).
Now to the Puzzle portion of the cache. Below are six multiple choice questions related to the ICBM program. Each question has four multiple choice answers, but only one correct answer. Each lock requires you to put three correct numbers into the combination, in order to open it. The correct answer has the right number combination is in parenthesis. One lock is for the missile launch facility power supply (the 2 AA batteries), and the other lock protects the missile launch controls.
Lock A – Power Supply
Position 1 Question: In December 2013, there were three Minuteman III Operational bases. They are:
• Minot AFB, North Dakota, Hill AFB, Utah, and Selfridge AFB, Michigan = (5)
• Beale AFB, California, McCord AFB, Washington, Warner Robins AFB, Georgia = (2)
• Vandenberg AFB, California, Luke AFB, Arizona, Malmstrom AFB, Montana = (3)
• F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, Minot AFB, North Dakota, Malmstrom AFB, Montana = (9)
Position 2 Question: What is the maximum number of reentry vehicles (warheads) could a Peacekeeper missile carry?
• 10 = (2)
• 3 = (7)
• 5 = (4)
• 1 = (3)
Position 3 Question: Who was the Prime Defense Contractor responsible for manufacturing the Minuteman III Missile?
• Lockheed Martin = (7)
• Boeing = (0)
• Northrup Grumman = (6)
• Thiokol = (8)
Lock B – Missile Launch Controls
Position 1 Question: What term did President John F. Kennedy use to refer to the first operational minuteman missile, during the Cuban missile crisis?
• “Full House” = (1)
• “Ace in the hole” = (0)
• “Three of a kind” = (8)
• “Two Pair” = (9)
Position 2 Question: What U.S. Air Force Base is currently used to test launch ICBMs to ensure they are still a viable operational weapon system?
a. Patrick AFB, Florida = (3)
b. Edwards AFB, California = (6)
c. Vandenberg AFB, California = (7)
d. Eglin AFB, Florida = (1)
Position 3 Question: What was the approximate weight of the Peacekeeper missile at launch?
a. (0) 71.0 tons
b. (4) 88.5 tons
c. (6) 96.7 tons
d. (2) 99.6 tons
Tribute to Missileers
Technical Order
Purpose
The purpose of this Tech Order is to provide the necessary instructions to “launch the missile” (OK not really), obtain the cache, sign the log and return the missile to ready status.
Pre-deployment checklist:
1. Study the Cache page to decipher the lock codes before heading to the cache.
2. Write down each lock combination. You should have two, 3 number combinations; one combination for Lock A, and one for Lock B.
3. Using your GPS device, head out to the Missile Launch Facility located at the coordinates on the cache page.
4. Once the cache is located, you must authenticate the locks in order to release the log.
Powering up the Launch Control Facility:
5. Start with Lock A. Enter the correct combination and open the lock, then open the protective cover.
6. Insert the two AA batteries into the power supply source. Note: ensure the battery polarity is correct. Now the Launch facility should be powered up.
Launching the Missile:
7. Proceed to Lock B. Enter the correct combination and open the lock, then open the cover protecting the launch controls.
8. Observe the missile direction toggle switch (switch on right) and ensure it is in the “down” position.
9. Press and hold the red launch button and observe the bottom of the cache. This starts the launch process.
10. The “missile” should soon appear at the bottom of the cache.
11. Release the red launch button once the missile clears the silo enclosure.
Receiving “credit” for the cache:
12. Open the top of the missile by twisting the cap counterclockwise.
13. Remove the log.
14. Use your writing instrument, sign and date the log.
Securing the missile to a “ready-state”:
1. Insert the log back into the missile container.
2. Secure the lid by twisting clockwise.
3. Ensure there are no obstructions to prevent the missile to enter securely back into the silo tube.
4. On the missile launch panel, switch the missile direction toggle switch to the “up” position.
5. Press and hold the red missile launch button while observing the missile.
6. Once the missile has successfully entered the silo and is no longer visible outside the silo, release the red launch button.
7. Secure the launch control door
8. Replace the lock labeled lock B, ensuring that the clasp is inserted between both eyehooks.
9. “Spin” the combo to ensure it is securely locked.
10. Proceed to the power supply and remove your two AA batteries.
11. Secure the cover over the power supply.
12. Replace the lock labeled lock A, ensuring that the clasp is inserted between both eyehooks.
13. “Spin” the combo to ensure it is securely locked.
14. Log the cache on Geocaching.com
15. If you enjoyed this cache, feel free to part with a favorite point.
We hope you enjoy this cache, as much as we enjoyed creating it. We also hope you enjoyed learning a little about the USAF ICBM program and appreciate the sacrifices that the missile launch crews made so that we all can live in a safe world, and so that we can enjoy geocaching in the great outdoors!