Former US Air Force members say many who worked at Area 51 have died from cancer and other serious health conditions, likely caused by radiation exposure.
The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), widely known as Area 51, sits on land contaminated by nuclear testing. Veterans describe the base as home to an “invisible killer.” Though the site was built in the 1970s, leftover radiation remained from earlier decades of nuclear activity.
Many veterans say they haven’t received medical care through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The department requires proof of radiation exposure, but secrecy around their work makes that impossible.
Long-term health impact and lack of recognition
Sergeant David Crete served at NTTR from 1983 to 1987. He told the House Veterans Affairs Committee that part of his brain is deteriorating due to atrophy. He considers himself one of the lucky ones. Since his time there, 490 of his co-workers have died from severe illnesses.
One airman passed away at age 33. Others rarely lived beyond 65. Despite health concerns, a government report claimed halting NTTR operations would harm national interests.
Crete and other veterans struggle to prove their cases because their service records were classified. In many cases, key information was deliberately hidden or “data masked.”
Generational consequences and family impact
Crete also spoke about the effect on his family. Because of the top-secret nature of his work, he could never explain his role to his loved ones. His wife suffered three miscarriages. A colleague’s wife had seven. All four of Crete’s children were born with birth defects or serious health problems.
Another former serviceman, Pomp Braswell, said working at the base as a young man felt like a great honour. But even his own mother had no idea what he did. “She knew absolutely nothing,” he said.
Push for legislative support
Two new bills—the Protect Act and the Forgotten Veterans Act—aim to provide greater support to NTTR veterans. A previous law signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000 offered some compensation to veterans who worked at specific government sites.
Despite this, Crete says he’s received little official recognition. Only the late Senator John McCain ever acknowledged his service, once telling him that his unit “ended the Cold War.”
The US Air Force has been contacted for comment.
