The munitions key is a separate electronic activation device that integrates into the Weapons Control Room's munitions console of CIC, used to authorize the activation of nuclear ordnance on a military vessel. The key comprises a metal handle with two metal rods that enter into the console's "key slot," which is used to manually turn the slot as one would a key tumbler with a properly cut key; it is mostly akin to the FTL key in its construction, save the absence of the lit rods.
In his bid to prevent the Cylons from reaching The Temple of Hopes, Admiral William Adama prepares Galactica's nuclear assets for deployment, intent on destroying the ruins. He is given the munition key by Felix Gaeta, and authorizes the activation of the warheads, but avoids pursuing their formal deployment (TRS: "The Eye of Jupiter", "Rapture").
Notes
The key first appears in a deleted scene where Commander William Adama detonates the munitions during the final stages of Galactica's decommissioning, thus necessitating the need to rearm at Ragnar Anchorage when the Fall of the Twelve Colonies occurs (TRS: "Miniseries").
Related Imagery
Admiral William Adama retrieves the munitions key to activate Galactica's nuclear arsenal during the Battle for the Algae Planet (TRS: "Rapture").
