Deseret News
July 26, 2003

Chemical-weapons depot to reduce guards; Cutback in force is likely to occur by end of 2003

By Joe Bauman
Deseret Morning News

The number of soldiers guarding Deseret Chemical Depot will almost certainly be reduced, says the depot's deputy commander.

The Army base - located near Stockton, Tooele County, about 35 air miles southwest of Salt Lake City - is where some of America's most deadly chemical weapons are stored and destroyed.

Site of the Army's $1 billion chemical arms incinerator and the storage igloos where the munitions are kept, the depot has long been a worry as a possible target for terrorists.

About 300 Californians have been guarding the site, said spokeswoman Alaine Southworth. But that is about to change.

"The force will be going down somewhat," Lt. Col. Charles Lewis, the depot's executive officer, said in a telephone interview this week.

"It's still in the planning session, so there's not a lot to give you at this time." He believes the reduction will happen by the end of 2003.

Asked why the change will occur, he said, "The Army is spread kind of thin right now." Officials "want to basically look at the overall picture" concerning deployments.

"Of course" enough protection will remain to ensure safety, Lewis added.

On Sept. 11, 2001, the day of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Deseret Chemical Depot went into "THREATCON D," the highest possible alert. All nonessential personnel were sent home.

By Sept. 27, 2001, soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo., were helping guard the installation, and the nearby Dugway Proving Ground. About 100 soldiers were watching each.

Later, Utah National Guard members were sent to guard the depot.

Concerns that a terrorist may attempt to steal VX or another deadly chemical seemed to be coming true in September 2002 when Deseret Chemical Depot went into a "terrorist alert." Utah National Guard soldiers patrolling the perimeter reported they had spotted a possible intruder just inside the 7-foot outer barbed-wire fence.

Despite repeated sweeps, "we never did find the individual," Southworth said.

In June, guardian duty devolved on members of the California National Guard, who relieved Utah Guard members as they were deactivated. The Californians are from the 2nd Battalion, 185th Armor and the First Squadron, Armored Cavalry Regiment.