AN/URC-117 Ground Wave Emergency Network

AN/URC-117 Ground Wave Emergency Network

Coordinates: 34°45′06″N 115°13′49″W / 34.751647°N 115.230278°W / 34.751647; -115.230278

The Ground Wave Emergency Network (GWEN) was a command and control communications system intended for use by the United States government to facilitate military communications before, during and after a nuclear war. Specifically, GWEN was constructed to survive the effects of a high-altitude nuclear explosion electromagnetic pulse to insure that the United States President or his survivors can give a launching order to strategic nuclear bombers.

Read more about AN/URC-117 Ground Wave Emergency Network:  Overview, History, Description, Operations, Site Layout, GWEN Site Locations, Controversies, Termination, Disposition, Photo Gallery

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