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The 82-foot-tall missile had a speed reaching nearly 16,000 miles per hour. The Atlas E was the first intercontinental ballistic missile developed and then deployed in the United States. The Titan was developed in case the Atlas encountered developmental problems and it also created competition between the programs. Both the Atlas and the Titan I missiles had been rushed into development in 1959. The Titan I, named for its power (in Greek mythology Titan was the father of Zeus), was placed at three bases in the vicinity of Larson Air Force Base at Moses Lake. The Atlas E, named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, was placed at nine sites around Fairchild Air Force Base, located near Spokane. Two types of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles were installed in Washington state. Available for the missile sites were large open areas in the vicinity of existing air force bases. This basing was close to the Soviet Union while also being inland of the more vulnerable coast. The intercontinental ballistic missiles were located in the central and eastern areas of the state. Military basing included radars, fighter-interceptors, long-range bombers, submarines, Nike missiles, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. All but one of the missile complexes were sold to private individuals and today they remain in private ownership.ĭuring the Cold War, Washington state became an important military defensive and deterrence location. By 1965 these missiles were outmoded and the bases closed. The Atlas E and Titan I missiles were installed, and during 1961-1962, the ICBM bases became operational. The intercontinental ballistic missiles served as a warning to the Soviet Union that any attack on the United States would bring about its destruction. Eighteen intercontinental ballistic missiles installed near Moses Lake and Spokane were a significant deterrence element. During the Cold War Washington state served an important role in defending the United States and in deterring attacks.