Nothing strikes fear and curiosity into the heart of an adventurer than the
name of something out of one's grasp. It's an amazing contrast that we tire
of the things we have quickly, yet we never stop yearning for that which we
know we cannot have, ever.

Glenn said it best about Area 51, "Everyone loves a mystery.". What if you
became the Coyote who finally catches the Road Runner? No more hunt, no more
mystery, no more questions. Worse yet, you find the thing you thought so
hallowed and sacred to be plain and ordinary in comparison to your
imagination. Can you think of anything more depressing?

I am not as scared of the guards at Area 51 as I am of finding out it is
just another stupid airstrip where billions of dollars of my money goes to
waste (which is what all indications point to..)

Also of note is the fact that the name "Area 51" is what a portion of the
Test SIte was called when it was directly under DOE jurisdiction. As the Air
Force runs the show there, they do not use that term to describe it, as it
reflects a period of ownership prior to their rein. Instead, AFFTS-DET3 is
much more accurate, or Edwards Air Force Base Flight Test Center Detachment
3.

Slang names have always been there for the military personnel to more easily
remember places and things. Spend some time with a vet and they can probably
come up with some doozies.. like COMFITAEWWINGPAC ..uh.. what? For an idea,
see Ordinance.org...