Area 51...the name comes from the area's designation when it was a part of the Nevada Test Site. The USAF's Edwards Flight Test Centre and the CIA as well as possible other government agencies are responsible for the operations at the base. The control tower at Area 51 identifies itself as 'Dreamland' when it communicates with aircraft in the area.

The facility itself is located within a three-million acre Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range along the western edge of the dry lake bed. Groom Lake Road leads directly into Area 51. The actual boundary line lies 13.8 miles from the point at which the dirt road exits the paved highway. There is no gate where the road enters the restricted zone, but the line is marked by several signs on both sides of the road. Anyone who crosses the boundary line, will be immediately arrested for trespassing, fined $600.00 for the first offence, and have their car impounded. These people may also legally be shot by the guards, as 'use of deadly force has been authorized by the installation commander'.

The 'Black Mailbox' is midway between milepost 30 and 29. Rancher Steve Medlin's black mailbox was at this intersection until March 27, 1996, when he replaced it by a heavier duty white mailbox. This is the world's most photographed mailbox, as it's a highly revered landmark for many UFO enthusiasts. Many people have had sightings of unusual flying objects while parked nearby. Several photographs and videos have been taken near this site during the last few years. One of the best overall views of the airspace above Area 51 is from this location.

The buffer zone around Area 51 is patrolled by a private security contractor's employees who wear camouflage uniforms and drive Jeep Cherokees, Chevy 2500 HD pick-up trucks and Ford 150's. It's rumoured that the guards are mostly former Navy Seals or Delta Force personnel. In addition, there are numerous hidden sensors and surveillance cameras to further assist security personnel. There is a large Blackhawk helicopter which flies perimeter patrol several times a day.

The Base itself, known as Area 51, Dreamland, Watertown, The Dark Side of the Moon, The Ranch, Paradise Ranch, The Box and The Container, consists of a very long runway, a fuel tank farm, several clusters of hangars, one large hangar, a controller tower, a housing area for workers, a large radar facility and various other buildings and facilities which are necessary for day to day operations.

In the past, the Area 51 base has played a role in the development of the U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 spy plane, the F-117 stealth fighter, and at least two other designs that are still classified. The unannounced designs are the TR-3 Black Manta, which is a triangular shaped craft with rounded corners, and the Aurora, a hypersonic spy plane that replaced the SR-71.

Documentation above was obtained from the 'Area 51 & S-4 Handbook' written by Chuck Clark, 2007 Edition.