Suddenly, the Cold War feels a lot closer. Right here atop San Vicente Mountain Park sits a relic from that era. This is Nike Missile Launch Site LA-96. It was named for the missile project not the shoe brand.
During the late 1950s this high point between Los Angeles and the Valley became a vital defense location. Army specialists scanned the skies for Soviet air strikes. The technology here could detect enemy aircraft. It could also assist anti-aircraft missiles launched from this very facility.
LA-96 was part of a large defense network. Los Angeles had defenses covering a large amount of territory. Sites ranged from ocean shore bluffs to mountain ridges over 8000 feet high. These defenses protected a major portion of the nation’s aerospace industry. They also defended other large industries and military installations.
This Nike site was activated in 1957. It stood ready to defend against potential threats for many years. LA-96 was finally deactivated in September 1974.
After years of disuse the missile site became part of a public park. Today people can walk around the steel structures. They can enjoy the sweeping views in all directions.
Interestingly, not much has changed. What’s been added matches the existing structures. Because of that it still sort of feels like somewhere you’re not allowed to be.
Los Angeles had unique features. The mountain sites had buildings with peaked roofs. This design accommodated the substantial annual snowfall. One LA site Mount Gleason was called “the world’s highest Nike base.” It was also considered the most remote Nike site in the Continental United States. Several LA sites were threatened by forest fires.
LA was the defense area selected for initial Army National Guard Nike operations. In 1958 the California Guard’s 720th Antiaircraft Missile Battalion acquired four sites. This set the standard for other defense areas.
The primary long-range radar for the LA defense was initially at San Clemente Island Air Force Station. Later the radar relocated to San Pedro Hill AFS. This overlooked Terminal Island and Long Beach. The SAGE command post for the Los Angeles region was at Norton AFB near San Bernardino.
Reduced from brigade to group status in November 1968 the Los Angeles defense continued operation until the summer of 1974. Today the Launch Facility is partially intact. It serves as a reminder of a tense period in world history. When you visit you’re walking through a place that once held immense strategic importance. It stood ready to protect a city and a nation. This site is a Cold War memorial park today. It’s a place where you can reflect on the past and appreciate the peace we have now. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy oversees this park now. It works to preserve this historic site for future generations.