Torrential rains wiped out 25% the U.S.' ballistic missile interceptors in Alaska last summer

[RedEarth]

Torrential rains wiped out a quarter of the U.S.' intercontinental ballistic missile interceptors in Ft. Greely, Alaska last summer -- right when North Korea was preparing to carry out an advanced missile launch, according to documents obtained by the Project On Government Oversight.

The flooding occurred during a three-week period between the end of June and early July 2006," POGO notes, in a statement. "The flooding damaged 25% of the U.S. interceptor missiles’ launch capability. These silos house the interceptor missiles that would be used to attempt to intercept a missile aimed at the United States. No interceptors were in the flooded silos."

An internal assessment by Boeing, the silos' chief contractor, shows seven flooded interceptor silos, out of the 26 at Ft. Greely. Two silos have more than 62 feet of water; a third has more than 50. Estimated times of repair range from four to 14 months. Boxcar like structures called Silo Interface Vaults (SIVs), adjacent to the interceptor silos, were also flooded, "two of them by as much as 15 feet of water," POGO says. "Three SIVs must have all electronic and mechanical systems replaced. Four other SIVs have partial damage. One SIV was so damaged that it shifted vertically in the ground like a house shifting off its foundation." It's a strange turn of events, considering "an environmental impact study of the facilities at Ft. Greely notes there is 'little rainfall in the region.'"

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But the larger issue at work here is: What exactly are we getting, for the $9 billion a year we're paying for missile defense? And why can't it take a little rain?

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/03/a_quarter_of_th.html

[youngdem]

1. Well, then they shouldn't be rebuilt, because they flooded. Right?

(Nods to New Orleans.)

[MnFats]

2. I'm sure the North Koreans sabotaged them....with their weather voo-doo

all the more reason to start yet another disastrous, unending war....

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Billions spent, and nobody considered that when you put a big hole

in the ground, you might want to put in a sump pump?

[Karenina]

4. Good riddance.

They never worked in the first place.

[dysfunctional press]

5. the interceptor program is NOT about missile defense...

it's about enriching military contractors.