Imagine Los Angeles under threat. This was the reality that birthed Nike Missile Radar Control Site LA-88. Today we stand at what remains of a crucial defense point. It once guarded against potential Soviet attacks during the Cold War.
LA-88 was one of sixteen Nike missile sites encircling Los Angeles. Their purpose was simple. They had to protect the civilian population and vital military-industrial sites. This site operated from 1957 to 1974.
Oat Mountain was the location of Site LA-88. Its elevation provided unparalleled visibility in all directions. This included a clear view far out into the Pacific Ocean. The location made it ideal for spotting approaching threats.
Getting LA-88 operational wasn’t easy. The rugged terrain and limited access via Browns Canyon posed significant challenges. Leveling the mountain peak and excavating missile magazines caused delays. Despite these hurdles, the site became operational on August 26, 1956.
To protect the arsenal, the Los Angeles area air defense system pioneered a security measure. It became the first in the nation to use Army sentry dogs at missile sites. In November 1958, four dogs and their handlers began patrolling the Chatsworth missile launch site.
Nike sites initially deployed Nike Ajax missiles starting in 1953. These could only carry conventional explosives. Their sole purpose was to stop enemy aircraft. By 1958, the more advanced Nike Hercules missiles replaced the Ajax. Hercules could carry conventional or nuclear warheads. A single Hercules missile could neutralize an entire squadron of enemy aircraft.
Daily life at LA-88 was regimented. Approximately 100 soldiers were stationed at a Nike site. They were either Radar Crewmen or Launcher Crewmen. The Integrated Fire Control Area housed the search and tracking radars. The Launcher Area held the missiles and had armed guards. The Administration area contained living quarters and offices. Maintenance, guard duty, and drills filled their days.
The site experienced real-world events alongside drills. Floods hit in 1969. The Clampitt fire burned over the site in 1970. The Sylmar earthquake shook the ground in 1971. Despite these events, the mission continued.
Greg Brown, a Nike Hercules Fire Control Crewman from 1968 to 1971, shared his experiences. He recalls the constant readiness and the importance of their role in national defense. The site operated under NORAD. It was part of a vast surveillance network. Radars scanned the skies from the Arctic Circle to Southern California.
LA-88’s radars could see 150 miles. They also had a video feed from Mt. Laguna. This extended their range past Catalina Island and the Mexican border. Their mission was to defend military installations and aerospace manufacturers.
By 1974, most Nike Hercules sites closed. This was a result of the SALT treaty and the rise of ICBMs. These intercontinental ballistic missiles made the anti-aircraft systems obsolete.
Today, the site is owned by the CA Civilian Conservation Corps. The site is gated off. Many buildings still stand. One missile silo cover is open. Urban explorers frequent the site. It seems to be a training ground for the SWAT team.
Though LA-88 is long removed from its original purpose, much remains. It reminds us of a tense period in history. It also highlights the dedication of those who stood guard. They were ready to defend against a threat that thankfully never materialized.