Sunday, September 29, 2013

Bombs Away

Hawthorne, NV  High 72  Low 51

P1070006The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum commemorates the Thousands of Military, Civil Service and Civilian Corporate Personnel that have made significant, and even the ultimate contribution in Defending the Freedom of this Great Nation.

On September 15, 1930, the Secretary of the Navy commissioned the U. S. Navy Ammunition Depot (NAD)at Hawthorne, NV. This did not happen by accident, but an accident caused it to happen.

P1060999

Four years earlier, July 1926, the Navy’s principal ammunition depot in Lake Denmark. N.J. blew up, destroying the town and killing over 50 people and injuring hundred’s more. The Navy needed to find a less populated area that was closer to the West Coast. Hawthorne was selected.

Anti-Tank Mortars

P1070026

P1070022Drone Anti=Submarine Helicopter (DASH) – remotely controlled by an on-board computer. It could be flown at any time of day, in any sea state, in any weather without risk to the controlling pilot.

Pretty impressive looking computer. A little larger than is used today, I’m sure.

P1070028

NAD Hawthorne began operation as a storage facility, with 72 military personnel and 90 civilian employees.

P1070090The depot covers 237 square miles and has 2,427 bunkers. 

The depot stores reserve ammunitions to be used after the first 30 days of a major conflict. The depot can safely dispose of unserviceable ammunition using the latest technology.

P1070011

The NAD later was turned over to the Army and became the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot and is currently run by an independent contractor under an agreement with the government.

P1070031

The museum is really incredible. Filled with all different kinds of bombs. I took a bunch of pictures and then I left the guys to enjoy themselves while I went back out to the truck to read my book.

P1070030

Hey George, what do you think this one was used for?

P1070018

P1070016I was really surprised at how many guys were at the museum. I noticed a Roadtrek parked in back of the museum and the wife was sitting there reading her book while her hubby (I’m assuming husband and wife) explored all the neat bombs and things that go bang.

Posted by at

13 comments:

  1. our awesome travelsSeptember 30, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    Another interesting place to check out, for the guys at least, thanks or the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  2. PeterSeptember 30, 2013 at 4:29 AM

    I think there are very few women being interested in weapons technology. I am not either, but have to admit that this museum looks - well - interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bob and Linda's RV TravelsSeptember 30, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Another great and interesting museum. Hey I went to a Quilt Museum. It is always a give and take.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009September 30, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    We have been to tons of military museums, but never one that focused on bombs. What an interesting museum. I certainly wouldn't be sitting in my car. Too unique to miss.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wanderin'September 30, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    Sounds like an interesting place to visit. You never know when you're going to find a little gem along the way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. CarolynSeptember 30, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    hahaa... g'morning, Sanide... I'd be in the nearest pie shop... bombs ~ ew

    ReplyDelete
  7. Travels with EmmaSeptember 30, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    A bomb museum? What a blast! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. RickSeptember 30, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    At least you got out alive without being blown to bits so that's good. Interesting tour.

    ReplyDelete
  9. joehSeptember 30, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    I hate traveling, thanks for doing it for me...always interesting stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Paul and Marti DahlSeptember 30, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Boys love things that go BANG! And they grow into men... :c)

    ReplyDelete
  11. TravelingLongdogsSeptember 30, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Unique museum. Not something you would see every day.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bob and JoOctober 7, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Have to add this to our list.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)