GC216PZ Nike Site S-13/14 Redmond: Launcher Area (Traditional Cache) in Washington, United States created by Shaddow

This cache has been archived.

Shaddow: Like the missiles that used to be here, this cache has served its purpose.

GC216PZ ▼

A cache by Shaddow Message this owner

Hidden : 3/8/2010

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Nike Site S-13/14, Redmond, Washington

Nuclear tipped surface-to-air missiles in Redmond?! That’s right, up until 1974 when they were decommissioned.

Missiles on Display in Firing Position
Nike Hercules in foreground, Nike Ajax in background

These missiles were America’s last ditch defense against the threat of a nuclear bomber attack by the Soviet Union after WWII. The first series of missiles, Nike Ajax, had a short range, long preparation time and were armed with a high explosive warhead capable of taking out a single plane. Later, this site was shifted to the newer Nike Hercules which had a greater range, faster speed, and a nuclear warhead which was capable of taking out a flight of bombers.

Later, when the threat shifted from manned bomber attack to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), the missiles were no longer needed and the site was decommissioned.

Launch Area

This cache is located at the gated entrance to the missile launch area. From here some of the remaining buildings can be viewed. When operational this area would have had the missiles in underground storage magazines, launchers and other related equipment. The remainder of the site had barracks, recreation areas, a mess hall and another infrastructure to support the men required to run the site.

Current Aerial View of Launcher Site