Thread: Area 51 NOT a secret base?

This unusual e-mail was posted to another UFO forum. It is very unusual in that an Area 51 conspiracy theorist has apparently changed his mind:

The construction of this sprawling aerospace complex in Nevada,
erroneously known as "Area 51", began in the month of May of
1955.

Since about 16 years ago "Area 51" has become associated
ridiculously (wittingly, unwittingly, or "conveniently") with
false rumors of "alien technology" or "global" conspiracies.

I, Norio Hayakawa, of the Civilian Intelligence Network:

http://www. hometown.aol.com/groom51s4/index.html

was at one time a proponent of such conspiracy theories, but
several years ago I totally abandoned such conspiratorial views
regarding this base. Furthermore I am no longer associated with
any conspiracy theories, period.

Today I am an ardent supporter of the importance and necessity
of this vital base for our national defense. I have come to the
realization that this base, officially named "an operating base
near Groom Lake" is here to stay, no matter what. It is a real
aerospace complex which had never really been a top secret base,
to begin with. (See the bottom excellent article by aersopace
historian, Peter Merlin)

It only became a "secret" base to those who were taken in by
paranoia mongers and through misinformation, resulting from
false rumors which began in the late 80s and persisted
throughout the mid 90s.

Area 51 today is a vibrant aerospace R & D conglomerate test
base, employing anywhere from 1800 to 2400 defense contractor
employees, working in shifts on diversified projects. Some of
the contractors include Raytheon, Lockheed, Boeing, Northrop
Grumman, TRW, E. G. & G and General Atomics,

One of the best recent color satellite photos of the base was
taken on Thursday, July 24, 2003:

Color Satellite Photo of Area 51 taken on July 24, 2003

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/area51/Area51-072503-LG. jpg

Perhaps what I consider to be the best history of Area 51 was
recently compiled by Peter Merlin, an aerospace historian who
resides near Edwards Air Force Base in California:

Area 51 Was Never A Secret, Classified Base

http://www. dreamlandresort.com/pete/no_secret.html

By the way I would like to announce that in May of 2005, there
will be several celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of
this important base . Needless to say, the "official"
celebrations, closed to the public, will most likely be held at
the base itself, including the Base Headquarters (or,
officially, Building #269, according to the the Security Manual
of the base entitled DET 3 SP), the Administration Building
(Bldg. #265), the Dining Hall (Bldg. #267) and at Building #170)
which contains a large officers' lounge known as "Sam's Place",
the gymnasium and the swimming pool.

However, there will be other "private"celebrations at diverse
aerospace facilities both in Nevada and in Southern California,
including the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force
Base, whose Detachment 3 operations are allegedly tied in with
the Nevada base.

Aside from these private gatherings, there will be several
"public" festivities marking the Golden Anniversary of Area 51.
On Saturday, May 28, the largest of these gatherings will be
held adjacent to the eastern boundary of the base alongside
Groom Lake Rd. and will be headed by Joerg Arnu, webmaster of
Area 51 - Dreamland Resort

http://www.dreamlandresort.com

the world's largest online source of information on Area 51.

Several hundred supporters and "aficionados" of Area 51,
including military aviation enthusiasts, are expected to
celebrate outside the eastern boundary of the base with a
camp-out, barbecue and live music entertainment along with
various speakers.

According to Arnu, May 28 was selected because it coincides with
the Memorial Day weekend and thus it would be easier for the
public to make it to the celebrations.

The news media is expected to cover the event and the Bureau of
Land Management is also expected to participate by helping with
the coordination of parking and other logistics needed to make
the event a success.

For more info, go to:

The 50th Anniversary celebration of Area 51 on May 28, 2005 -
public invited!

http://www. dreamlandresort.com/campout.html


Norio Hayakawa

Area 51 News Updates
http://www. hometown. aol. com/area51watch/index. html

The Civilian Intelligence Network
P.O. Box 861051
Los Angeles,
CA 90086-1051

Hope somebody checks the back of his neck for that little alien chip!

S