Site NY-24 used both Nike Ajax (shown) and Nike Hercules missiles. Photo: Don Bender
Located in close proximity to Republic Aviation’s Farmingdale, Long Island plant, Nike Battery NY-24 was of a somewhat unusual configuration having three of the larger type “B” missile magazines. These were converted to fire the more advanced Nike Hercules missiles by May, 1959. The site was one of the longest-lived in the New York Defense Area, surviving until 1974.
During that year, an Army helicopter believed to be loaded with warheads from the site made an emergency landing at nearby Jone’s Beach, a popular bathing beach on Long Island’s south shore. Armed soldiers kept startled onlookers and even the park police well away from the scene until the mysterious cargo could be flown away in yet another helicopter.
Location
Launcher Area:
East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, NY
Control Area:
Amityville, Suffolk County, NY
Dates of Operation
1957-1974
Radar Types
ACQR, LOPAR, ABAR, HIPAR
Missile Magazines
3 Magazines.
3 type “B”.
Missiles
30 Nike Ajax (initial configuration)
18 Nike Hercules
Units
Army
A/505th (1957-1958)
A/3/51st (1958-1964)
National Guard
A/1/244th (1964-1974)
Current Condition
The control area was located at the present site of Zahn Airport. The former launcher area is now utilized as an Army Reserve Center.