Tunnels

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A rough diagram of the USAFA tunnel and utility system
A rough diagram of the USAFA tunnel and utility system
The Tunnels are a network of steam utility tunnels that run beneath and interconnect all of the primary buildings of the Cadet Area. They are accessible from almost any stairwell in the Cadet Area.

The tunnels have been off limits to cadets for some time, but that has never stopped them from exploring. In the past, the tunnels were designated as emergency fallout shelters.

[edit] Myths and Legends

Several pervasive bits of lore attract cadets to the tunnels. Most of them are very implausible, but none have been successfully disproved.

  • The tunnels are rumored to connect directly, or indirectly through a series of caves, to the NORAD complex in Cheyenne Mountain, 20 miles to the south.
  • There is rumored to be a vault in the tunnels which contains, or used to contain, replicas (or the originals?) of national treasures such as the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, a Mercury capsule, and a Spitfire aircraft. Evidence to support this was the claim that the treasures would be safe here in the foothills of the Rockies, because, ostensibly, the expansionist Soviet Union would never nuke and pollute the region that provided 1/3 of the water supply to the continent if they ever wanted to conquer North America.
  • Giant rooms are rumored to exist under the Terrazzo or Honor Court.
This large gray sliding door, in the Harmon Hall loading bay, is the rumored entrance to the legendary vault full of treasures.
This large gray sliding door, in the Harmon Hall loading bay, is the rumored entrance to the legendary vault full of treasures.
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