Nike site NY-54C. Photo: Don Bender
Nike Battery NY-54 was constructed in Holmdel and Hazlet New Jersey, only a short distance from where Bell Telephone Laboratories would later construct its impressive lab and research center designed by renowned architects Eero Saarinen and Associates. Site NY-54 was one of the very first “victims” of the downsizing of the Nike program which began during 1968 and was closed during that same year.
Location
Launcher Area:
Hazlet, (Monmouth County), NJ
Control Area:
Holmdel, (Monmouth County), NJ
Dates of Operation
1955-1968
Radar Types
ACQR, HIPAR.
Missile Magazines
2 Type B magazines
Missiles
Nike Ajax / 20
Nike Hercules / 12
Units
Army
D/526th (1955-1958)
D/4/71st (1958-1964)
D/3/51st (1964-1968)
Current Condition
The only obvious traces of the former Launcher Area are a few sections of barbed wire-topped fences located within Holmdel Park. The control area off of Telegraph Hill Road, was similarly demolished. Adjacent to the control area, the family housing area remained intact for several decades beyond the closure of the site. It was demolished several years ago. Several impressive and very large dish-style antennas are now located next to the former control area. They are believed to be part of a satellite communications network.