A cold war missile was discovered in a Seattle suburb. It was reported to local authorities and made aware to residents. The missile, identified as a McDonnell Douglas AIR-2 Genie, was found in the possession of a Bellevue resident who expressed a desire to donate the item that belonged to his deceased neighbor. The incident prompted the involvement of the Bellevue Police Department’s bomb squad, leading to an investigation into the origins and potential dangers associated with the missile.
Upon receiving the call from a military museum, the Bellevue Police Department’s bomb squad was dispatched to inspect the aging and rusty missile. After thorough examination, it was confirmed that the missile was indeed an AIR-2 Genie, an unguided air-to-air rocket specifically designed to carry a 1.5-kiloton W25 nuclear warhead. Fortunately, in this case, no warhead was attached to the missile, and there was no presence of rocket fuel, eliminating immediate concerns of an imminent threat. However, the discovery raises questions about how such a relic ended up in a residential area.
The AIR-2 Genie missile played a significant role during the Cold War era, representing a pivotal point in the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Developed in the 1950s, the Genie was designed as a defense mechanism against potential enemy aircraft. Its primary purpose was to intercept and destroy enemy bombers by detonating a nuclear warhead in close proximity to the target. Although never used in combat, the Genie served as a deterrent during the tense years of the Cold War.
While the absence of a warhead and rocket fuel alleviates immediate concerns, the discovery of such a missile in a residential area highlights the importance of proper disposal and handling of potentially hazardous military artifacts. The Bellevue Police Department, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will ensure the safe storage and appropriate disposal of the missile. Additionally, this incident serves as a reminder for communities to report any suspicious or potentially dangerous items to local law enforcement.
The unexpected discovery of the AIR-2 Genie missile also brings attention to the importance of preserving and documenting historical artifacts from significant periods in our history. Museums and collectors play a vital role in safeguarding such items, allowing future generations to learn from and appreciate the past. Efforts should be made to ensure that these relics are stored and displayed in a secure and educational manner.
