CNJ+ June 2023

NJ’S NIKE MISSILES By, Surabhi Ashok Transform Your Dreams Into Reality WITH EXCEL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

During the 1960s to 1970s, at the peak of the Cold War, New Jersey’s sub urban towns and backyards were home to many missile bases. They were placed strategically in the townships surrounding New York City, like East Hanover, Middletown, South Plainfield, Livingston, Old Bridge, Wayne, and Mahwah. Bases were also located further south as well, in Marlton, Swedes boro, Lumberton, Berlin-Clementon, and Pittman. The Nike missiles, as they were called, acted as the last line of defense against the Soviet Union’s aircrafts and bombers. The missiles, directed by radar technology, were designed to intercept attacking squadrons and their evasive movements. They were first installed at the end of World War II and named after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. By the time of the Cold War, the purpose quickly became to protect targeted areas like New York City and Philadel phia from nuclear bombs. The missiles, the Ajax and Hercules, were kept underground in the pits of the bases or awaiting action on launchpads. The Ajax, a smaller missile of 27 feet, carried explosive warheads in its nose and center, while the Hercu les was said to have had nuclear capabilities powerful enough to take out a whole fleet. The Livingston/East Hanover facility for example had an arsenal of 6 kits,

or magazine rooms, with 4 launchers each. Colonel Joseph Evangelist, who used to be the commander of the base, said that everyone was ready to use the arsenal and fire at any given time. All they needed was the signal. Because of the high tensions that defined this era, people in the commu nities were definitely cautious of the Nike bases as they feared unprompted explosions. To alleviate some of the uncertainty, monthly tours of the fire control area and other briefings were open to the public. Other areas on the other hand, like the launch pads where the missiles actually were, had high security at all times and were closed off from the towns. In East Hanover, they even had three surrounding fence lines and night patrol dogs. By 1974, the Nike program along with the Army Air Defense Command that administered the system were deactivated. The bunkers were all sealed shut, with the missiles still enclosed in those 10 feet thick walls. Now, the only thing remaining of the Nike facilities are old launch pads and radar towers in the overgrown fields of these New Jersey towns. One preserved base is in Livingston, open to public viewing as Riker Hill Park. Source: https://weirdnj.com/stories/abandoned/exploring-abandoned-ni ke-missile-bases/ Transform Your Dreams Into Reality WITH EXCEL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Transform Your Dreams Into Reality WITH EXCEL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Transform Your Dreams Into Reality WITH EXCEL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

FREE ESTIMATES! FREE ESTIMATES!

XCEL Construction Services LLC CALL 24 HOURS - 732.644.4635

NJ Contractors LLC #13VH08621900 • Brick Paver Patios, Walkways, Driveways, Retaining Walls • All Concrete Design • Outdoor Kitchens, Integrated Seating Options, & Firepits • Architects Available YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE OUR PRICING & SERVICE 40+ YEARS IN THE TRADE! • Brick Paver Patios, Walkways, Driveways, Retaining Walls • All Concrete Design • Outdoor Kitchens, Integrated Seating Options, & Firepits • Architects Available YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE OUR PRICING & SERVICE 40+ YEARS IN THE TRADE! NJ Contractors LLC #13VH08621900

XCEL Construction Services LLC CALL 24 HOURS - 732.644.4635 40+ YEARS IN THE TRADE! FREE ESTIMATES! XCEL Construction Services LLC CALL 24 HOURS - 732.644.4635 NJ Contractors LLC #13VH08621900 • Brick Paver Patios, Walkways, Driveways, Retaining Walls • All Concrete Design • Outdoor Kitchens, Integrated Seating Options, & Firepits • Architects Available YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE OUR PRICING & SERVICE

18

CNJ+ | FORMERLY THE MILLSTONE TIMES

JUNE 2023