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List of Nike missile sites

List of Nike missile sites

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The following is a list of Nike missile sites operated by the United States Army. This article lists sites in the United States, most responsible to Army Air Defense Command; however, the Army also deployed Nike missiles to Europe as part of the NATO alliance, with sites being operated by both American and European military forces. U.S. Army Nike sites were also operational in South Korea, Japan and were sold to Taiwan.[1]

Nike Missile family, From left, MIM-3 Nike-Ajax, MIM-14 Nike-Hercules, LIM-49 Nike-Zeus.

Leftover traces of the approximately 265[2] Nike missile bases can still be seen around cities across the United States. As the sites were decommissioned, they were first offered to federal agencies. Many were already on Army National Guard bases who continued to use the property. Others were offered to state and local governments, while others were sold to school districts. The leftovers were offered to private individuals. Many Nike sites are now municipal yards, communications, and FAA facilities, probation camps, and even renovated for use as airsoft gaming and military simulation training complexes. Several were obliterated and turned into parks. Some are now private residences. Only a few are intact and preserve the history of the Nike project.

Belgium

General Belgian Nike info: The Nike missile system was operational in the Belgian airforce from 1959 until 1990. It was organized into a Missile Group (the overall staffing); a Support Wing (tech and log support), and 2 (9th and 13th) Missile Wings, each with 4 subordinate units. All Belgian Nike sites were in the 2 ATAF part of then West-Germany. Their defending area was the industrial Ruhr area.

  • Blankenheim in the federal state of Nordrhein Westfalen (NRW). Unit: 13th Missile Wing, 51st (B) Squadron 1961–1989. Operating 36x Nike Herc. (10x Nuclear armed) US custodians: 43rd (B) USAAD. Former IFC at 50°26'45"N 06°40'27"E. Former LA at 50°26'29"N 6°41'52"E. Unit disbanded and site closed.
  • Düren in NRW. Units: Hq 13th Missile Wing; Missile Support Wing; Group Operations Center and 50th (A) Squadron 1959–1990. Former combined IFC/LA location at 50°41'20"N 06°30'13" E when operating 12 x Nike Ajax missiles. This became the IFC when 50th Sq started Nike Herc ops. 36x Nike Herc. (10x Nuclear-armed) US Custodians: 43rd (C) USAAD. LA then moved to 50°42'44" N 6°32'3"E. Unit disbanded, and the site closed.
  • Erle [de] in NRW.[3][4] Unit: 13th Missile Wing, 57th (D) Squadron 1974–1984. Note: The site was taken over from the Netherlands air force in 1974, becoming ops in 1975 as 13th Missile Wing/57 Sq operating 36x Nike Herc conventional role. The unit was later reassigned to the 9th Missile Wing/57th Sq as it was the most Northern Belgian site. Former IFC demolished. Former LA at 51°44'21"N 6°53'53"E. Unit disbanded, closing the site.
  • Euskirchen in NRW. Unit: 13th Missile Wing, 52nd (C) Squadron 1959–1986. Operating 36 x Nike Herc (10x nuclear-armed) US custodians: 43rd (A) USAAD. Former IFC at 50°37'20"N 06°44'37"E. Former LA at 50°37'36" N 6°45'38" E. Unit disbanded, and the site closed.
  • Grefrath in NRW. Units: Belgian Group Missiles 1959–1990; staffing and liaison element between the Nike Wings and the Belgian air force staff. Family lodging was at nearby Kempen; Hq 9th Missile Wing; Group Operations Center; 56th Squadron 51°2'2"N 6°20'2" E.
  • Hinsbeck in NRW. 9th Missile Wing, 56th (C) Squadron 1962–1989. Operating 36x Nike Herc (10x Nuclear-armed) US custodians: B team 507th USAAD. Former IFC demolished. Former LA at 51°21'56"N 6°17'25" E. Unit disbanded, closing the site.
  • Hombroich in NRW. 9th Missile Wing, 55th (B) Squadron 1962–1985. Operating 36x Nike Herc (10x Nuclear-armed) US custodians: C team 507th USAAD. Former IFC at 51°8'27.30"N 6°37'26.49"E. Former LA at 51°9'6"N 6°38'35"E is now a modern art museum. Military family housing 53rd and 55th Squadrons were nearby Grevenbroich. The unit disbanded, and the site closed.
  • Kaster in NRW. 9th Missile Wing, 53rd (D) Squadron 1959–1978. Reassigned 13th Missile Wing / 56th Sq 1979–1985. Operating 36x Nike Herc missiles (10x Nuclear-armed) US custodians: 43rd (A) USAAD. Former IFC at 51°01'25"N 06°58'36" E. Former LA at 51°1'24"N 6°29'49"E. Unit disbanded, and the site closed.
  • Xanten in NRW. 9th Missile Wing, 54th (A) Squadron 1971–1989. Operating 36x Nike Herc (10x Nuclear-armed) US custodians: A team 507th USAAD. The former basecamp at 51°38'50"N 06°26'31" E was rebuilt into an automotive area. Former IFC at 51°38'30"N 06°22'34" E. Former LA at 51°38'48"N 6°24'33"E. Unit disbanded, and the site closed.

Denmark

Greenland Defense Area (Danish sovereignty): Thule US Airbase was defended by 4 Nike batteries constructed in 1957–1958. Initially, these sites were considered part of the former Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM) as they were intended to defend the Continental United States. Due to Greenland's climate, the missiles had been stored in underground magazines with a 10-missile capacity. Each battery had 4 magazines, and each magazine 2 missile elevators. 4th Battalion 55th Artillery ceased operations in May 1965, thus ending the Nike missile defense of Thule airbase. The sites have been disused for many years now but the remains are still clearly visible.
  • A battery at grid 76°34'6"N 68°49'2"W
  • B battery at grid 76°34'23"N 68°38'34"W
  • IFC at grid 76°33'32"N 68°43'21"W
  • C battery at grid 76°30'7"N 68°32'13"W
  • D battery at grid 76°30'40"N 68°53'49"W

As Greenland is Danish and that country refused to host foreign military and nuclear weapons, a bilateral agreement was signed allowing access for all US forces and weaponry in Greenland. This way all Thule batteries could yet be nuclear armed.

Copenhagen Defense Area: Copenhagen was defended by a ring of 4 Nike batteries. At first under Army command but as of 1964 under Air Force command and the batteries redesignated as squadrons 531/2/3/4. Initially Nike Ajax and Hercules operated but later on (1973) only Nike Hercules. All Danish Nike squadrons were operating in conventional role only.

Hq Nike Group and staffing was located at the Avedøre camp, at grid 55°37'59"N 12°26'55"E. Nike Group Operations Control was at the Vestvolden, a fortification at grid 55°41'23"N 12°26'11"E connected with the Karup Air Force Headquarters

More information Site Name, Missile Type ...
ESK 531
ESK 531
ESK 532
ESK 532
ESK 533
ESK 533
ESK 534
ESK 534
Launch control
Launch control
HQ
HQ
NIKE sites around the danish capital of Copenhagen
Missile site, Radar site and Air stations Missile launch control center Staf/HQ, training and maintenance

Germany

94th ADA Group, headquartered in Kaiserslautern for most of the Nike-Hercules period had four battalions as follows, with locations:

5/1 ADA headquartered at Wiesbaden Air Base

- A Battery: Wackernheim

- B Battery: Dexheim

- C Battery: Quirnheim

- D Battery: Dichtelbach

5/6 ADA headquartered in Neubruecke

- A Battery: Schoenborn

- B Battery: Wueschheim

- C Battery: Baumholder

- D Battery: Hontheim

2/56 ADA headquartered in Pirmasens

- A Battery: Geinsheim

- B Battery: Landau

- C Battery: Salzwoog

- D Battery: Oberauerbach

3/71 ADA headquartered in Ludwigsburg

- A Battery: Dallau

- B Battery: Grosssachsenheim

- C Battery: Hardheim

- D Battery: Pforzheim

- In Pforzheim (Hagenschieß/Wurmberg), in Baden-Württemberg there is a missile launch site operated by the US-Army until April 1985.

It was part of the Nike-Belt, a defense system which was created to defend Europe against the then newly invented jets. The site fired Nike missiles at potentially incoming jets as part of the Project Nike.

Greece

Italy

As of 1959 the Italian commanding unit was: Prima Aerobrigata Intercettori Teleguidati ( 1st Guided Missile Brigade) at Padua overseeing the sites:
  • Bovolone (Verona) 72 Gruppo at grid 45°16'12"N 11°8'29"E Custodians: Team 2–47th US Army Artillery Detachment
  • Ceggia (Venice) 57 Gruppo at grid 45°40'22"N 12°40'15"E Custodians: Hq and Team 1–34th USAAD
  • Chioggia (Venice) 81 Gruppo at grid 45°10'1"N 12°13'43"E Custodians: Team 3–34th USAAD
  • Conselve (Padua) 80 Gruppo at grid 45°9'35"N 11°54'49"E Custodians: Team 2–34th USAAD
  • Cordovado (Pordenone) 58 Gruppo at grid 45°49'36"N 12°54'46"E Custodians: Team 4–34th USAAD
  • Ca' Tron (Venice) 56 Gruppo at grid 45°34'48"N 12°27'29"E Custodians: 87th USAAD (not activated)
  • Zelo (Rovigo) 79 Gruppo at grid 45°2'2"N 11°23'43"E Custodians: Team 3–47th USAAD
  • Montichiari (Brescia) 65 Gruppo at grid 45°25'27"N 10°20'43"E
  • Monte Toraro (Vicenza) 66 Gruppo at grid 45°52'18"N 11°13'57"E
  • Monte Grappa (Prealpi venete) 64 Gruppo at grid 45°52'12"N 11°48'6"E
  • Monte Calvarina (Verona) 67 Gruppo at grid 45°30'34"N 11°16'53"E Custodians: Hq and Team 1–47th USAAD
  • Monte Pizzoc (Treviso) 59 Gruppo at grid 46°2'30"N 12°20'43"E

The Italian Nike units were initially combined Nike Ajax and Hercules equipped but switched completely over to Nike Hercules in the mid 1970s.

Each site with a US Custodial Team had an on-site load of 10 nuclear warheads ready to be launched at very short notice. The sites were using mixed warheads; meaning always 2 sections nuclear-capable (W31 selectable 20 or 2 kiloton yield) and 1 section only conventional (T-45 High Explosive) armed.[5]

Another 60 spare W31's had been kept in permanent storage at grid 45°28'46"N 11°35'57"E Longare. These were supposed to be airlifted to certain Nike sites in case of deterioration of the international political situation in the world. The logistics train was airlifting by US CH-47's within 6 hrs after receipt of a coded message.

This event actually took place in October 1962[6] during the Cuban missile crisis when NATO came on full alert.

Japan

On Okinawa, the 30th ADA Brigade was on Okinawa. On Reversion Day, May 15, 1972, all Nike Hercules missile sites were handed over to the JASDF. Battery B,8th Battalion,3rd Air Defense Brigade was located on the Chinen peninsula in southern part of the island. The U.S. reverted the islands to Japan on May 15, 1972, setting back a Ryūkyū independence movement that had emerged.

Netherlands

Norway

Oslo Air Defense: Its regional missile air defense was composed of:

These were covering the Norwegian capital, the former Kolsås HQ Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH), the Rygge and Gardermoen airbases and the naval base Karljohansvern.

Construction of the Nike batteries started in 1959; becoming limited operational in 1960 and fully operational in 1961.

Initially operating both Nike Ajax and Hercules but later on only Nike Hercules, the Norwegian Nikes were only conventional armed with the T-45 High Explosive warhead.

HQ Nike Battalion at Linderud at grid 59°56'49"N 10°50'37"E
A Battery at Asker at grid 59°52'28"N 10°23'0"E
B Battery at Nes at grid 60°9'22"N 11°23'36"E
C Battery at Trogstad at grid 59°38'0"N 11°20'33"E

YouTube footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWYAtR-XgTI

D Battery at Våler at grid 59°30'0"N 10°48'6"E

Spain

Turkey

Taiwan

United States

This list is sorted by state. The "Missile type" code indicates the numbers and types of missiles and other installation details. For example, "2AK/18L-H" means the site contained two Nike Ajax magazines (A), located above ground (K), with eight launchers (8L) being converted to Nike Hercules (H). Many listings will have "FDS" following either the control site or launch site heading, which means that the site has gone through the "Formerly-Used Defense Site" program and has been transferred from DoD control to another party. With the exception of Alaska, in which sites were given a specific name, Nike missile sites were designated by a coding system of the Defense Area Name abbreviation; a two-digit number representing the degree from north converted to a number between 01 and 99 (North being 01; East being 25; South being 50; West being 75), and a letter, L = launch site, C = IFC (Integrated Fire Control) site. The Formerly Used Defense Sites (FDS) program processed many former sites and then transferred them out of Defense Department control.[7]

Alaska

The Alaska Nike sites were under the control of United States Army Alaska (USARAK), rather than Army Air Defense Command.

Anchorage Defense Area: Sites were located around Anchorage to defend the city of Anchorage, Fort Richardson, and Elmendorf AFB. Situated at Fort Richardson near Anchorage, the Command Post hosted the regional air defense command and control facility. Manned by the 4th Missile Battalion (redesignated 1st Missile Battalion), 43d Air Defense Artillery in 1972). Site Point was a dual site, having two complete and independent firing systems (Two fire control systems and four launcher sections each having four launchers each and about 28 Hercules missiles) The damage caused by the Good Friday earthquake in 1964 caused one half of the site to be permanently out of action. The other firing system was restored to active duty and remained so, and was in fact the last Nike site in North America to be closed.

Air Defense Command/NORAD radar sites at Fire Island AFS (F-1) and King Salmon AFS (F-3) AK were integrated into the Army Nike operations. Radars used at Fire Island were CPS-6B, FPS-8, CPS-4, FPS-20A, FPS-6B. Nike missile operations continued there until 1979 when the site was closed. Afterwards, the Army Air Defense Command Post was moved to King Salmon. Radars were FPS-93A and in 1982 the FPS-117 was installed. King Salmon Long Range Radar Site is still in use.


Fairbanks Defense Area: Sites were installed to replace Anti-Aircraft guns defending the Fairbanks area, which included Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB. Manned by the 2nd Missile Battalion, 562d Air Defense Artillery. The sites around Fairbanks were inactivated in 1970 and 1971.

The USAF radar site at Murphy Dome AFS, AK (F-2) was shared with the Army for Nike missile-defense system. The CPS-6B radar was removed in July 1958, FPS-8 removed 4Q 1960 until the Nike sites were inactivated in 1971.

Nike sites in Alaska
More information Site name, Missile type ...

California

Los Angeles Defense Area (LA): Los Angeles was defended by a ring of 16 Nuclear sites. Headquarters sites were located at Signal Hill, Long Beach, Fort MacArthur, and at the Birmingham Army Hospital. As indicated by the number of sites, Los Angeles, with its aerospace industries, received extensive air defenses. Initially manned by the 1st Missile Battalion, 56th Artillery, later by the 4th Missile Battalion, 65th Artillery. Beginning in the fall of 1958, the LA-40 and LA-43 Nike sites were manned by the 720th AAA Missile Battalion of the California Army National Guard. Eventually, California National Guard units assumed responsibilities for manning the other sites. In 1968, the Army deactivated LA-94. LA-29 closed 3 years later.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) LA-45DC was established at San Pedro Hill AFS, CA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later equipped with the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system.

LA-45DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-39 / Z-39 The AADCP was inactivated 1 Sep 1974 along with the remaining Nike Hercules sites.


San Francisco Defense Area (SF): San Francisco was defended by 12 Nike sites: SF-08, SF-09, SF-25, SF-31, SF-37, SF-51, SF-59, SF-87, SF-88, SF-89, SF-91 and SF-93.[9] Its defenders included both Regular Army and National Guard units. Sites SF-87 and SF-93 were deactivated in 1971. Three years later, the U.S. Army Air Defense Command deactivated the remaining missile batteries. When the Army abandoned the launch area of SF-88 at Fort Barry in 1974, the National Park Service assumed custody of the site, incorporating it into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Through the efforts of various volunteer groups, as of 1995, this is the only Nike site in the country that has been preserved and is open for public viewing.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) SF-90DC was established at Mill Valley AFS, CA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

SF-90DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-38 / Z-38 The AADCP was inactivated in mid-1971.


Travis AFB Defense Area (T): Established to defend the USAF Strategic Air Command, later Military Airlift Command base. The 436th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion was active by 1955. The 436th AAAB was redesignated as an antiaircraft artillery missile battalion on 5 January 1957 and subsequently occupied four Nike Ajax sites, which went to 1st Missile Battalion, 61st Artillery on 1 September 1958. Controlling the SAMs was the 29th Artillery Group (Air Defense).[10] During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Travis battalion assumed responsibility for the remaining active batteries guarding the entire San Francisco region. Inactivated by 1974.

SF-31 Nike site, San Leandro, California
Missile on transporter at SF-88, Sausalito


More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Connecticut

Bridgeport Defense Area (BR): Regular Army units manned these sites after initial activation during 1956 and 1957, with the Guard assuming duties in the waning years. Headquarters facilities were located in Bridgeport. Only site BR-04 was converted from Nike Ajax to Hercules. This battery would become integrated into the New England Defense Area before deactivating in 1971.

Hartford Defense Area (HA): Operational in 1956, these sites were first manned by Regular Army and later by Guard Units. Units from the Bridgeport Defense Area assisted in operating the Plainville site. Sites HA-48 and HA-08 were converted to fire the Nike Hercules missile and remained operational until 1968 and 1971, respectively.

Both defense areas appear to have been manned by 2nd Battalion, 55th Artillery (Air Defense) at times between 1958 and 1964.[16]

Connecticut Nike Missile Sites
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Florida

Homestead–Miami Defense Area (HM): Despite the undetected arrival of a defecting Cuban B-26 Invader at Daytona Beach Airport in January 1959, the vulnerability of America's southern frontier was not apparent until the Cuban Missile Crisis. As part of America's posturing against the Soviet Union over the issue of missiles in Cuba, a rapid buildup of forces occurred in Florida. Part of this buildup included antiaircraft missile batteries. Command of the arriving missile units was assumed by the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 13th Artillery Group, formerly of Fort Stewart, Georgia, which arrived at Homestead AFB on October 30, 1962. By November 8, this command unit moved 4 miles north to a location at Princeton. Initially deploying MIM-23 Hawk mobile batteries, once it became evident that the missile deployment would be long-term, the batteries were repositioned and permanent structures were built which employed above-ground Nike-Hercules missiles. Hawk missile batteries in southern Florida, manned by 6-65 Artillery (1962–71); 6-65 ADA (1971–72); and 1st Battalion, 65th ADA (13 September 1972 – June 1979)[19] continued on active duty until 1979, well beyond the 1975 demise of Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM).

Army Air Defense Command Post (AADCP) HM-01DC was established at Naval Air Station Richmond, FL 25°37′24″N 080°24′16″W in 1961 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. Site equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system. In 1965, upgraded to the AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. One height-finder radar was later removed and remaining set modified to an AN/FPS-116 c. 1977.

HM-01DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site Z-210. The site was demolished by Hurricane Andrew on 24 August 1992 and subsequently closed.

Homestead–Miami Nike missile sites
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Georgia

The Robins AFB Defense Area (R) and Turner AFB Defense Area (TU) were established when the USAF Strategic Air Command based B-52 Stratofortress intercontinental bombers at Robins and Turner Air Force Bases in 1959. Two Nike-Hercules batteries provided air defense for each base and were manned by Regular Army units. These above-ground sites remained active from November 1960 until March 1966.
Georgia Nike Missile Sites
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Hawaii

Oahu Defense Area (OA): Originally, the United States Army Pacific planned to build eight batteries at six sites around the island. Eventually this plan was scaled back to four. The antiaircraft command post was at Wahiawa and Headquarters facilities were located at Fort Ruger. Unlike many of the stateside sites that housed missiles in underground magazines, these sites were simply open-air launchers mounted on concrete pads surrounded by earthen berms. The sites were deactivated in 1970.
Oahu Nike Missile Sites
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Illinois and Northwest Indiana

Chicago–Gary Defense Area (C): Site (C-98) Fort Sheridan hosted the headquarters of the Fifth Army Air Defense Command. Other regional command facilities were located at the Museum of Science and Industry, site (C-51) Orland Park, and site (C-80) Arlington Heights. Nike Hercules bases remained in operation at C49/50, C-72, and C-93 as well as at sites C-46 and C-47 in northern Indiana, until 1974.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) C-80DC established at Arlington Heights AI, IL in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later upgraded to the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system.

C-80DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-31 / Z-31. The Air Force ceased radar operations on 30 Sep 1969, and the AADCP was inactivated on 1 Sep 1974.

Chicago–Gary Defense Area
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Kansas

Schilling AFB Defense Area (SC): Two sites began construction in April 1960, but never made operational. Construction halted in June 1960 and land sold off to private owners.
Schilling AFB Defense Area
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Louisiana

Barksdale AFB Defense Area (BD): Two Nike Hercules sites, BD-10 at Bellevue and BD-50 northeast of Stonewall, were

installed to provide protection to Shreveport and Barksdale AFB, which hosted Strategic Air Command bombers. U.S. Army Air Defense Command operated the sites with Regular Army units (possibly from 562nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment) from 1960 until 1966. Battalion Headquarters was located at the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant located north of Doyline.

Barksdale AFB Defense Area
More information Site Name, Missile Type ...

Maine

Loring AFB Defense Area (L): Four Nike Ajax sites were placed around Loring Air Force Base for protection of the USAF Strategic Air Command B-52 Stratofortresses. Headquarters facilities were located at Loring Air Force Base. Manned by the Regular Army 3rd Missile Battalion, 61st Air Defense Artillery, these sites provided defense for Loring and the northeastern approaches to the United States. In 1960, sites L-13 and L-58 underwent conversion from Ajax to Hercules missiles. These sites remained operational until 1966.

An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Caswell AFS, ME in 1957 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. It was designed for manual operations, using plexiglass plotting boards and telephonic inputs. The AADCP was later integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-80 with FPS-10 (2); FPS-8/GPS-3; FPS-7C and FPS-6A radars. The AADCP inactivated in 1966.

Loring Air Force Base Defense Area
More information Site name, Missile type ...

Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia

Washington–Baltimore Defense Area (BA, W): Numerous Nike installations were built in Maryland to defend Baltimore and the nation's capital. Several also were built in the northern suburbs of Virginia. Baltimore Area Headquarters facilities were located at Towson, Fort Smallwood, Edgewood Arsenal, and Owings Mills. Headquarters facilities on the Maryland side of Washington's defenses were located at Fort Meade and Suitland. During the 1950s, Fort Meade also hosted the Headquarters, 2nd Region, Army Air Defense Command. All but W-44 remained active until 1974.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) W-13DC established at Fort Meade, MD in 1957 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. Site was both an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master and later AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE Radar Direction Center. W-13DC was the first Missile-Master DC to become operational.

On 1 October 1961 W-13DC was integrated with USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-54/Z-227. Air Force operations ended 1 October 1972. AADCP inactivated 1 September 1974 and dissolved as part of the 1988 Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

Washington–Baltimore Defense Area
More information Site name, Missile type ...

Massachusetts

Boston Defense Area (B or BO): Boston's Nike Batteries were manned initially by Regular Army troops. In 1959, National Guard units assumed control of B-03, B-15, B-55, and B-63. In 1964, the Army turned sites B-36 and B-73 over to the Guard. After the phase-out of the Nike Ajax system, sites B-05, B-36, and B-73 remained supplied with Hercules missiles.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) B-21DC established at Fort Heath, MA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. In early 1965 the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system was installed. B-21DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site MM-1.

The Boston Defense Area merged with Hartford & Providence Defense Areas in 1962, becoming the New England Defense Area. Air Force operations at the site ended in 1962, and Nike operations were inactivated in 1974.

Boston Defense Area
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Michigan

Detroit Defense Area (D): Built during the mid-1950. Headquarters facilities were posted at Selfridge AFB as well as the Detroit Artillery Armory. Between 1958 and 1961, the Army converted sites (D-06, D-16, D- 26, D-58, D-61, and D-87) from Nike Ajax to Nike Hercules. 3rd Battalion, 55th Artillery (Air Defense) helped man these sites. The Michigan National Guard assumed manning responsibilities for many of the sites in the 1960s. Sites D-06, D-58, and D-87 Hercules batteries remained active until 1974.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) D-15DC established at Selfridge AFB, MI in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later upgraded to the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system.

D-15DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-20 / Z-20 The Air Force ceased radar operations when the Army no longer needed radar support and the AADCP was inactivated 1 Sep 1974.

Detroit Defense Area
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Minnesota

Minneapolis–St.Paul Defense Area (MS): In operation from 1959 until 1971, the following four Nike Hercules batteries guarded the approaches to the Twin Cities. The Birdie command and control facility, located at Snelling Air Force Station, provided target designation information to the batteries. Headquarters facilities were also located at Snelling.
Minneapolis–St.Paul Defense Area
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Missouri

Kansas City Defense Area (KC): Two Nike Hercules batteries, dubbed Lawson and Lone Jack, guarded the eastern approaches to Kansas City. The Corps of Engineers Kansas City District commenced work on these sites in late spring 1958. Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) KC-65DC was established at Olathe AFS, KS in 1959 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

KC-65DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-72 / Z-72. Air Force operations ended 8 Sep 1968; the AADCP inactivated in 1969


St. Louis Defense Area (SL): The Chicago District of the Corps of Engineers oversaw the design and construction. Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) SL-47DC was established at Belleville AFS, IL in 1959 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

SL-47DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-70 / Z-70. The site was closed on 18 June 1968.

Missouri Nike Missile Sites
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Nebraska

Lincoln AFB Defense Area (LI): The missiles provided defense for SAC B-47 bombers and Atlas missiles stationed at and around Lincoln AFB between 1960 and 1966.

Offutt AFB Defense Area (OF): Provided a Nike Hercules defense for Omaha's Offutt AFB, which was the Headquarters of the Strategic Air Command. Offutt also hosted SAC tankers and Atlas missiles were deployed around the area in the early 1960s. An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Omaha AFS, NE in 1959 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

The AAFC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-71 / Z-71. The site was inactivated on 8 Sep 1968.

Nebraska Nike Missile Sites
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New Jersey

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Links: Sandy Hook Tours :: Site NY-56 :: Gateway National Park :: NJ 14 Missile Bases :: NY-56 History :: Trip Advisor :: Highlands Air Force Station

New Mexico

Walker AFB Defense Area (W): As a Strategic Air Command base, it was determined that Walker should be defended by a Nike Hercules battalion. The 6/2d was activated at Walker on 20 April 1960; it was then inactivated on 25 June 1960, without ever being declared operational, the construction then subsequently abandoned.
Walker AFB Defense Area
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New York

Niagara Falls–Buffalo Defense Area (NF, BU): Buffalo and Niagara Falls were separate Defense Areas until their merger in December 1961. Before consolidation, the Niagara Falls Defense Area was commanded from historic Fort Niagara. Both Regular Army and Army National Guard Units operated these batteries. The Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) NF-17DC established at Lockport AFS, NY in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center.

NF-17DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-21 / Z-21. Nike operations at the site inactivated in 1962.


New York Defense Area (NY): Combined with the sites located in New Jersey, the New York sites composed one of the largest defensive nets in the nation. Headquarters facilities were located at Tappan, Fort Totten, Fort Wadsworth, and Roslyn. Initially, New York's air defenses had been manually coordinated from Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Later, Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) NY-55DC was established at Highlands AFS, NJ in June 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. Later the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system was installed.

NY-55DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-9 / Z-9 Air Force operations at the site ended on 1 July 1966, and Nike operations were inactivated on 31 Oct 1974.

As in several other states, during the 1960s the National Guard assumed a greater role in operating the sites.

Niagara Falls–Buffalo Defense Area

New York Defense Area
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Ohio

Cincinnati–Dayton Defense Area (CD): The sites became operational in 1960 to defend the industrial centers of the upper Ohio River Valley. A "BIRDIE" site collocated at C-27 hosted missile command and control functions for the region. The sites remained active until 1970–1971.

Cleveland Defense Area (CL): Headquarters facilities were located at the Shaker Heights Armory and in Cleveland. Sites CL-02, CL-ll, and CL-69 were converted to fire Nike Hercules missiles. In 1968, the Cleveland Defense Area merged with Detroit's. In June 1971, the three remaining Nike Hercules batteries were deactivated.

Cincinnati–Dayton Defense Area

Cleveland Defense Area
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Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Defense Area (PH): In the mid-1950s, the Philadelphia District of the Corps of Engineers supervised the construction of a circle of 12 Nike Ajax sites averaging 25 miles from center city. Nike Ajax sites were deactivated from 1961 to 1963. Site PH-75 was deactivated in 1968; PH-99 stayed on duty until 1971. These batteries were manned by both Regular Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard units.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) PH-64DC established at Gibbsboro AFS, NJ in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. On 1 May 1961 PH-64DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-63/Z-63 Nike operations were inactivated on 30 Sep 1966


Pittsburgh Defense Area (PI): At first, three active Army battalions manned the ring around "Steel City". Later manning responsibilities would eventually be supplied by one active duty unit (3rd Missile Battalion, 1st Artillery) and one Pennsylvania Army National Guard battalion (The Duquesne Greys-2nd Missile Battalion, 176th Artillery). Operations at five of these Nike Hercules sites lasted until 1974.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) PI-70DC established at Oakdale AI, PA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later upgraded to the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system. PI-70DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-62 / Z-62. Air Force operations ended 31 Dec 1969. The AADCP inactivated on 1 Sep 1974.

Philadelphia Defense Area

Pittsburgh Defense Area
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Rhode Island

Providence Defense Area (PR): Sites located in Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts for the defense of Rhode Island's capital city. From 1959 through 1960, sites PR-38 and PR-99 were upgraded to launch Nike Hercules missiles.

Site PR-79 at Foster was preserved, to be used as a State Police facility. Site PR-99 at North Smithfield stayed in operation until 1971 while PR-38 at Bristol held on until 1974.

Providence Defense Area
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South Dakota

Ellsworth AFB Defense Area (E): Four Nike Ajax batteries were positioned around Ellsworth AFB in 1957. E-01 was north, E-20 was east-northeast, E-40 was south-southeast, and E-70 was west-southwest. Headquarters facilities were located at Ellsworth. In 1958, batteries E-20, E-40, and E-70 were removed from service and E-01 was converted to fire Nike Hercules missiles. This battery remained in service until 1961.[citation needed]

An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Ellsworth AFB, SD in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. It was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system. The post was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site M-97. The radar site ceased all operations on 15 August 1962.[citation needed]

Ellsworth AFB Defense Area
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Texas

Bergstrom AFB Defense Area (BG): Headquartered at Bergstrom AFB, Army units defended this Strategic Air Command

Base and the Austin region from two Nike Hercules sites between 1960 and 1966.


Dallas–Fort Worth Defense Area (DF): For air defense of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. These Nike Hercules sites were manned by Regular Army and National Guard units and operated from 1960 to 1968. Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) DF-30DC was established at Duncanville AFS, TX in 1959 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

DF-30DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-78 / Z-78. Air Force operations ended 31 July 1964. The AADCP was inactivated in 1969.


Dyess AFB Defense Area (DY): Installed to defend the SAC bombers and Atlas F missile silos stationed at and around Dyess AFB. Site DY-10, located at Fort Phantom Hill and site DY-50, located southwest of Abilene, remained operational from 1960 until 1966.

An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Sweetwater AFS, TX in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

The AADCP was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site M-89 / Z-89. The AADCP was inactivated in Sep 1969.

Texas Nike Missile Sites
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Virginia

Norfolk Defense Area (N): Headquarters facilities were located at Fort Monroe, Ballantine School in Norfolk, Reedsville/South Norfolk, Craddock Branch/Portsmouth, and Newport News. The world's largest naval complex received an extensive air defense network. Sites N-25, N-52, and N-85 were modernized to fire the Nike Hercules missile. Site N-63 was the last to operate Nike Ajax, being deactivated in November 1964. Both Regular Army and Virginia Army National Guard units contributed to the manning of the sites.[42] Sites at (N-52) Deep Creek/Portsmouth and (N-85) Denbigh/Patrick Henry remained active until April 1974.

An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Cape Charles AFS, VA in 1958 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

The AADCP was later integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-56 / Z-56'. The AADCP inactivated in June 1974.

Norfolk Defense Area
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Washington

Fairchild AFB Defense Area (F): Four sites initially protected the Spokane region and the Strategic Air Command Base at Fairchild. Medical Lake was converted to Hercules missiles in 1960 and 1961. Headquarters facilities were located at Fairchild AFB. The Army deactivated the Nike Ajax batteries in 1960. An Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) was established at Mica Peak AFS in 1958 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

The AAFC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site SM-151 / Z-151. The AADCP was inactivated in May 1972.


Hanford Defense Area (H): Nike missiles replaced and augmented gun batteries that had been previously installed to defend this nuclear industrial complex. Headquarters facilities were located at Camp Hanford. Three sites were deactivated in December 1958 as only Saddle Mountain was converted to the new Nike Hercules. Upon deactivation of this Hercules battery in 1960, the equipment was forwarded to the Norfolk site at Deep Creek/Portsmouth.


Seattle Defense Area (S): Home of Boeing Aircraft Company and military installations, Seattle was ringed with defenses manned by both Regular Army and Washington National Guard units. Nike Ajax sites were phased out from 1960 to 1963. Sites at (S-13) Redmond, (S-61) Vashon Island, and (S-92) Bainbridge Island were upgraded to launch Nike Hercules missiles and survived until 1974.

Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) S-90DC established at Fort Lawton AFS, WA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system.

S-90DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command/NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-1 / Z-1 The Air Force ceased radar operations in March 1963 and the AADCP was inactivated 1 Sep 1974.

Fairchild AFB Defense Area

Hanford Defense Area

Seattle Defense Area
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Wisconsin

Milwaukee Defense Area sites (code M) were all in Wisconsin, including 3 launch sites in the Milwaukee city limits (M-02, -20, & -96). The 2 battalion headquarters and nearby headquarters batteries were the 401st Antiaircraft Missile Bn & M-54's A Btry at "Hales Corners" and the 852nd Bn & M-96's D Btry[46]:2 at Maitland Field[46]:17 which was planned for 26 acres (11 ha) in 1954.[47][48] The defense area with 5 sites was reorganized in 1961 "from group status to a battalion status",[49] and its Army Air Defense Command Post near M-96[49] for integrating fire control began using an AN/GSG-5 BIRDIE[50] after the solid-state CCCS became available in 1961. M-64 & M-96 had transferred to the Wisconsin National Guard by August 1961[49] (M-74 in June 1964),[51] and command of the area transferred from the 61st Artillery Group to the 45th Artillery Brigade (Air Defense) on August 1, 1964.[46]:2 In 1968, the Milwaukee Defense Area merged[citation needed] with the Chicago–Gary Defense Area and was controlled using the latter's Arlington Heights AADCP with a 1967 AN/TSQ-51. The resulting Chicago-Milwaukee Defense Area included Wisconsin sites at Argyle (CM-71R), Princeton (CM-97R), and Tisch Mills (CM-01R 44°19′28″N 87°34′45″W) and 3 in Illinois and 4 in Michigan.[52] One of the last sites transferred from the federal government was Waukesha's "Nike Hill"[53] Integrated Fire Control site for M-74 in March 2006.[54]
Milwaukee Defense Area
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See also


References

  1. "Travis Defense Area". militarymuseum.org. Retrieved 2017-10-22.
  2. "Summary of Nike Missile Batteries" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 6, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
  3. "VCE Oudgedienden Erle". publius.biz (in Dutch). Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  4. "Die Erler Nike/Hercules Flarak-Batterie". kleerbaum.de (in German). Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  5. "Cieli fiammeggianti, dalla Guerra fredda a Base Tuono", by Alberto Mario Carnevale, Eugenio Ferracin, Maurizio Struffi, 2021, second edition
  6. Nuclear Battlefields - Global Links in the Arms Race, by William M. Arkin and Richard W. Fieldhouse, 1985
  7. "Nikesummit.org: Friends of Nike Site Summit". Nikesitesummit.org. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  8. "Travis Defense Area". California Military Museum. Retrieved 2017-10-22.
  9. Rings of Supersonic Steel
  10. Leary, Joseph (2004). A Shared Landscape: A Guide & History of Connecticut's State Parks & Forests. Hartford, CT: Friends of Connecticut State Parks Inc. pp. 84–85. ISBN 0-9746629-0-9. Archived from the original on 2010-08-24. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
  11. "Nike Missile Site C-41 – Promontory Point – Jackson Park, Chicago IL – Michael Epperson". M-epperson.home.comcast.net. Archived from the original on 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  12. "NETRonline: Historic Aerials". historicaerials.com. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
  13. "Google Maps". Google Maps. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
  14. "BA-09 Former NIKE Missile Launch Site". Wikimapia.org. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  15. Civil Air Patrol, Maryland Wing. "Nike Missile Site Restoration Project". Maryland Wing website. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  16. "Nike Sites with Earlier or Later Use by the Air Force". Airforcebase.net. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  17. "Virginia Department of Historic Resources: Marker Online Database Search". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
  18. "Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Virginia: Western Fairfax County". Airfields-freeman.com. 1949-07-10. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  19. "At missile site, 'on our toes' day and night". Gazette.net. 2007-04-18. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  20. "Enclosure - High Value Asset List" (PDF). Public Buildings Reform Board. United States Government. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  21. U.S. General Services Administration. "GSA Auctions – Former NIKE Site D-58".
  22. Cousino, Dean. "Construction has begun at former Nike base near Newport". Monroe Evening News. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
  23. Workman, Karen. "Fire at old Commerce Twp. missile site called suspicious". The Oakland Press. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  24. "Hamburg Nike Base". Dmna.state.ny.us. 2006-02-19. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  25. Optimization study aims to expedite Nike CD-78, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, public affairs. Published Oct. 29, 2015.
  26. "Sports Complex Coming to Former Military Base" Archived 2012-09-15 at the Wayback Machine, Gloucester Township Patch, 25 Jan 2011.
  27. "University of Texas System". Archived from the original on 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2016-09-22.
  28. Zambos, Ted. "History of the Four Grand". The Four Grand. Archived from the original on 2007-01-15. Retrieved 2006-12-06.
  29. "Former Four Lakes Communications Station". U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Center. May 10, 2013. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  30. "Welcome to nginx!". news.google.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  31. "Air Defense Command in Area Reorganized" (Google News Archive). The Milwaukee Journal. August 24, 1961. Retrieved 2012-04-18. Milwaukee air defense…consists of…three Nike Hercules missile batteries and two national guard Nike Ajax missile batteries. The Nike Hercules batteries are at Maitland airstrip…Brown Deer rd., River Hills, and on Davidson rd. near Waukesha county trunk Y … Ajax batteries are at Martin rd. east [sic] of Little Muskego lake and at 4828 W. Silver Spring dr. … air defense command [post] 4828 W. Silver Spring dr.
  32. "US Nike Missile Sites" (KML spreadsheet). Ed Thelen's Nike Missile Web Site. Ed-Thelen.org. Retrieved 2012-04-01. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  33. "M-74 Nike Missile Site". www.ericapp.weebly.com. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  34. Morgan, Mark L; Berhow, Mark A (2002). Rings of Supersonic Steel (Google Books) (second ed.). Hole in the Head Press. ISBN 0-615-12012-1. Retrieved 2011-09-13.
  35. "JS Online: Cold War museum proposed". www.jsonline.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008.
  36. "JS Online: Waukesha explores park at missile site". Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
  37. "Summerfest: Maier Festival Park grounds have a long history". OnMilwaukee. 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
  38. "Nikesite.org". www.nikesite.org. Retrieved 2023-06-19.

Further reading

  • John C. Lonnquest; David F. Winkler (November 1996). To Defend and Deter: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Missile Program (USA-CERL Special Report, 97/01). US Army. ISBN 99961-75-71-5.
Alaska
California
Connecticut
Florida
Hawaii
Northwest Indiana and Illinois
Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Virginia
Washington (state)

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