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Kirtland Air Force Base

Photo: Joe Mabel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Kirtland Air Force Base sprawls across 51,558 acres in the southeast quadrant of Albuquerque, New Mexico, making it the sixth largest installation in the United States Air Force. Named after early Army aviator Colonel Roy C. Kirtland, the base uniquely shares its runways with Albuquerque International Sunport in a joint civil-military arrangement. The facility employs over 23,000 people, including more than 4,200 active duty personnel. Most notably, Kirtland houses the Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex, believed to be the largest known repository of nuclear weapons in the world.

Timeline

1941

Kirtland Air Force Base established near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Post-1945

Base becomes central to nuclear weapons development and management programs

Modern era

Designated home of the Nuclear Weapons Center and largest nuclear weapons repository

What the Show Claims

›Military bases are locations where mysterious glowing orbs have been reported
S21E08
›These phenomena occur near nuclear weapon facilities and military installations
S21E08

What Archaeology Says

While Kirtland Air Force Base itself is a modern military installation rather than an archaeological site, the broader Albuquerque area contains significant archaeological evidence of human habitation spanning thousands of years. The region was home to various Ancestral Puebloan cultures before European contact, and numerous petroglyphs and ancient settlements dot the surrounding landscape.

The base's establishment in 1941 transformed this historically significant area into one of America's most strategically important military installations. During World War II and the Cold War era, Kirtland became integral to nuclear weapons research, development, and storage operations. The facility's role expanded significantly with the creation of the Nuclear Weapons Center, which oversees acquisition, modernization, and sustainment of nuclear systems for both the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.

Today, Kirtland serves as headquarters for multiple specialized wings and squadrons, including the 58th Special Operations Wing and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. The base's underground munitions complex represents one of the most secure and extensive storage facilities ever constructed. Scientific research conducted at Kirtland spans advanced aerospace technologies, nuclear systems, and experimental aircraft testing.

What remains fascinating about Kirtland is the intersection of cutting-edge military technology with the high desert environment of New Mexico, an area already rich in unexplained phenomena and UFO sightings. The base's proximity to other significant sites like Los Alamos and the wider history of secret military projects in New Mexico continues to fuel speculation about classified research programs.

Mysteries & Fun Facts

The base shares its runways with a commercial airport, making Albuquerque International Sunport a joint civil-military facility

Kirtland houses the largest known repository of nuclear weapons in the world in its underground storage complex

The installation employs over 23,000 people, making it one of New Mexico's largest employers

The 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland trains pilots on specialized aircraft including the CV-22 Osprey

Planning a Visit

Getting There

As an active military installation, Kirtland Air Force Base is not open for public tours or casual visits. Access is strictly controlled and limited to authorized military personnel, contractors, and official visitors with proper clearance. The base shares runways with Albuquerque International Sunport, so travelers may glimpse some facilities during commercial flights.

Nearest City

Albuquerque, New Mexico (adjacent to the base)

Best Time to Visit

Public access is not available due to the base's classified military operations and security requirements.

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