Clarksville Base: Nukes, Soviets and the KGB (Fort Campbell)

Clarksvillian Underground ^ | Dave McGuire

[dmam2011]

Clarksville, TN (CU) - The locals and Marine Corp called it the birdcage. The US Navy referred to the location as Site #3.

Before 1965, even the guards at Clarksville Base weren’t aware of what they were guarding. Operated by the US Navy and guarded by the US Marine Corp, Clarksville Base was layered with intense security. The parameter included four spaced fences with at least one being electrical. In addition to the four fences surrounding the perimeter, there were armed marine patrols with orders of “shoot to kill” attempts to breach the base. Three deaths were recorded at the installation’s electrical fences with one believed to be a KGB agent. And unsurprisingly, civilian workers were frequently moved from place to place within the facility to prevent familiarity or knowledge within one particular area or building.

[DugwayDuke]

Very similar to the tales told about West Fort Hood.

[outofsalt]

“Naval personnel at Clarksville Base also were pushed into keeping low profiles. Because they were so far from a naval installation, they weren’t allowed to wear their uniforms off-post for fear of drawing attention.”

Marines are never supposed to be in uniform off base. An exception is the Toys for Tots bell ringers which are reservists. Oorah.

[BiteYourSelf]

So it was a nuke storage base.
You could have said that.

[RedMonqey]

"Strange to consider KGB agents and spies living among the neighborhoods of Clarksville without anyone knowing. ”

Not strange at all. Considering Clarksville was a transient population, thanks to Ft.Campbell. Now if they were here pre Camp Campbell days when this area was a sleepy tobacco town? That would be strange.

P.S. I've been around 'The Bird Cage" albeit long after the nukes were long gone. Strange to see pill boxes that would have had machine guns poking out to shoot anyone approaching them. And damned cold when winter weather came.

[dmam2011]

True. Strange was meant for larger Clarksville area thats not affiliated with the military.