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85th USAFAD

U.S. Air Force•11 members

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About this Unit

85th USAFAD

U.S. Air Force

The 85th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment (USAFAD) was a specialized unit during the Cold War, tasked with the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to NATO forces. Activated in the late 1960s, the 85th USAFAD was stationed in Germany, where it worked closely with the Belgian Army, providing technical support and oversight for the deployment of nuclear-capable artillery systems. The detachment played a key role in NATO's deterrence strategy by ensuring the security and readiness of these weapons. The unit was deactivated in the early 1990s, following the reduction of U.S. nuclear forces in Europe after the end of the Cold War.

About 85th USAFAD

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Full Designation: The 85th USAFAD stands for the 85th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment.
Nuclear Mission: The unit was responsible for the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to NATO allies, specifically the Belgian Army, during the Cold War.
Location: The 85th USAFAD was stationed in Werl, West Germany, at the Caserne de l’Otan, supporting the Belgian 14th Artillery Battalion.
Active Years: The unit was active from 1962 until its deactivation in 1992, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and NATO's nuclear drawdown.
Role in NATO: The 85th USAFAD was part of a network of U.S. Army units supporting NATO's nuclear sharing policy, ensuring allied forces could employ nuclear weapons if authorized.
Security Measures: The detachment implemented strict security protocols, including Permissive Action Links (PALs), to prevent unauthorized use of nuclear weapons.
Joint Operations: The unit regularly conducted joint exercises with Belgian forces to ensure readiness in the event of a Warsaw Pact attack.
Specialized Training: Personnel received advanced training in nuclear weapons handling, security, and emergency response, making them among the most highly trained soldiers of their time.
Community Relations: Despite their secretive mission, members of the 85th USAFAD often engaged with the local German and Belgian communities, fostering goodwill during tense periods.
Legacy: After deactivation, veterans of the 85th USAFAD created reunions and online groups to preserve the unique history and camaraderie of this specialized unit.

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85th USAFAD

U.S. Air Force•11 members

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About this Unit

85th USAFAD

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Leon Grinnell

U.S. Army · 1989 - 1991

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George Barlow

U.S. Army Veteran · 1974 - 1975

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Tony Hall

U.S. Army · 1978 - 1981

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Chad Kepner

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1997 - 2000

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Air Force photos

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About 85th USAFAD

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Full Designation: The 85th USAFAD stands for the 85th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment.
Nuclear Mission: The unit was responsible for the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to NATO allies, specifically the Belgian Army, during the Cold War.
Location: The 85th USAFAD was stationed in Werl, West Germany, at the Caserne de l’Otan, supporting the Belgian 14th Artillery Battalion.
Active Years: The unit was active from 1962 until its deactivation in 1992, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and NATO's nuclear drawdown.
Role in NATO: The 85th USAFAD was part of a network of U.S. Army units supporting NATO's nuclear sharing policy, ensuring allied forces could employ nuclear weapons if authorized.
Security Measures: The detachment implemented strict security protocols, including Permissive Action Links (PALs), to prevent unauthorized use of nuclear weapons.
Joint Operations: The unit regularly conducted joint exercises with Belgian forces to ensure readiness in the event of a Warsaw Pact attack.
Specialized Training: Personnel received advanced training in nuclear weapons handling, security, and emergency response, making them among the most highly trained soldiers of their time.
Community Relations: Despite their secretive mission, members of the 85th USAFAD often engaged with the local German and Belgian communities, fostering goodwill during tense periods.
Legacy: After deactivation, veterans of the 85th USAFAD created reunions and online groups to preserve the unique history and camaraderie of this specialized unit.