UPDATE: The first live test of the Nike Hercules missile near Anchorage, Alaska, took place on November 21, 1960, marking a historic moment for military defense and local residents. This unprecedented launch, conducted at Site Summit, captivated spectators and represented a significant advancement in Cold War-era military technology.
Residents gathered in awe as the missile, nicknamed “Celebrity,” blazed through the sky at 2:14 PM, showcasing the destructive power of this surface-to-air weapon. The event drew attention from families, military personnel, and local media, all eager to witness the spectacle of a missile designed to defend against potential Soviet aerial attacks.
Children were released from school to observe what was dubbed a “tremendous power” demonstration, while adults cheered from the ground. Bob Atwood, editor of the Anchorage Daily Times, hailed the launch as an essential milestone for the city.
The Nike Hercules missile measured 41 feet in length and had a range exceeding 75 miles, often armed with nuclear warheads. The Army deployed a total of 145 Nike Hercules batteries across the U.S., with three installations near Anchorage, including Site Summit, which became operational in 1959.
Maj. Gen. John H. Michaelis, the Alaska Army commander, emphasized the dual significance of the test: invaluable training for soldiers and a chance for Alaskans to witness their defense capabilities firsthand. Despite frigid conditions, with snow blanketing the area, the crowd braved the elements, fueled by excitement and curiosity.
The missile’s flight path targeted a drone approximately 80 miles away, with the first launch followed by seven more over the next four weeks. However, the initial test faced technical difficulties, with the drone malfunctioning during the launch. Despite this setback, military officials deemed the overall exercise a success, declaring that the intended target had been “destroyed.”
The aftermath of the launch brought a sense of exhilaration and pride among the onlookers, many of whom had never witnessed such a powerful display. Families from nearby Eagle River had been evacuated for safety, and they shared in the momentous occasion, alongside military brass and reporters.
This historic event not only showcased military prowess but also fostered community engagement, as schools across the region coordinated activities to coincide with the launch. Students watched eagerly, some even participating in organized fire drills to coincide with the test.
Live-fire exercises continued in Anchorage until 1963, highlighting the ongoing evolution of missile technology and defense strategies. The Nike Hercules sites eventually ceased operations in 1979, with Site Summit still preserved under Army control today.
As the 63rd anniversary of this significant event approaches, the Anchorage Museum will host a panel discussion featuring veterans from the Nike Hercules sites on November 11. This gathering promises to shed light on the personal experiences of those who served during this critical period in Alaska’s history.
Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the lasting impact of the Nike Hercules missile tests on Anchorage and the broader implications for military defense strategies during the Cold War.
