And now for something completely different…at least as far as our cross-country trip is concerned. Instead of taking in mountains, streams, forests, deserts, and canyons, today we took in planes, helicopters, and nuclear warheads! It turns out that Tucson area is home to the Titan Missile Museum the Pima Air & Space Museum. Being the dorks we both are, we couldn’t resist a visit to both!

A view of the Titan II from the silo underground.

We headed to the Titan Museum first and took the 1.5-hour tour through the facility. The site is the last of 54 Titan II missile silos open to the public. The facility is a remnant left over from the Cold War when the policy was “peace through deterrence” (in the form of stock-piled nuclear weapons). After watching a video, we were taken through all the same redundant security checkpoints that workers in the the 1960s and years after had to go through. Then we made our way into the control room, 35 feet under the ground. The highlight was being chosen by the tour guide to be the Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander at the missile launch control station. I sat in the same seat countless “real” deputy commanders sat 24/7 as they waited for the call to launch the missile in the silo nearby. The highlight of the highlight was turning one of the two keys in unison with the head commander to simulate a missile launch!

After we were done launching the missile, we headed to the silo that still holds a Titan II. Though decommissioned, the giant 100-foot missile was still an incredible sight to behold. Once we were finished gawking at it, the group went topside to see it from the open silo doors. Along the way, there were numerous signs warning people to “watch for rattlesnakes.” Unfortunately, we didn’t see any of those. Overall, the experience was interesting and unique. I recommend it for dorks and non-dorks alike!

The Titan II could be launched 58 seconds after the command was given and capable of travelling 6300 miles in about 30 minutes.

Some artwork from an antique plane. Something is wrong with this cat (?). Not sure what.

The Pima Air & Space Museum was next and we were greeted by fighter jets flying in formation from nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The museum has several hangars full of all kinds of aircraft and a large outdoor area that houses 150. We were able to see more than 300 planes, helicopters, antique drones, and more! My favorites were the B-52 bombers (so shiny!), and any plane with a face…or interesting artwork. The collection is impressive and I saw many types of aircraft that I’ve never seen (even in other aircraft museums). The most unique were probably the sea planes that look like boats with wings. Somehow we managed to miss the space exhibit. 🙁

Here are “the most fun shots” from the day. I mean…you can only look at so many planes.

This plane had a big smile on its “face.”

Yup. 😉

A few planes were on display as pieces of art. This piece is called “Back to Supersonica” and was created with spray paint on a Lockheed Jetstar. Artist is Kenny Scharf.

A handsome black plane. No idea what it is. Sorry.

Billy is ready for takeoff (in a plane without wings…or tail…or anything but the cockpit)!

For those who like planes and photos of planes, there are more shots on my site. If you want to see me dorking out, check out Billy’s site. Tomorrow it’s back to nature with the western side of Saguaro National Park! Hopefully we see a snake finally. A scorpion would be nice, too!