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2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG

37 members•1 unit

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About 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG

The 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX), 106th Artillery, New York Army National Guard (NYARNG), was activated during the Cold War era to provide air defense for the New York metropolitan area. Equipped with the NIKE-AJAX surface-to-air missile system, the battalion was responsible for protecting key urban and industrial sites from potential Soviet bomber attacks. Operating several launch sites around New York, the 2d Missile Battalion trained continuously with active-duty Army counterparts to maintain readiness. The unit was eventually deactivated as advancements in missile technology and shifting strategic needs led to the replacement of the NIKE-AJAX system with more advanced air defense platforms.

About 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins and Activation: The 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX), 106th Artillery, New York Army National Guard, was activated during the Cold War to provide air defense for the New York metropolitan area against potential Soviet bomber attacks.
NIKE-AJAX Missiles: The unit was equipped with the MIM-3 NIKE-AJAX, the United States' first operational, guided, surface-to-air missile system, capable of speeds up to Mach 2.3 and designed to intercept high-altitude bombers.
Strategic Location: Many of the battalion’s missile sites were strategically placed around New York City, including locations on Long Island and Staten Island, to create a protective "missile ring" for the city.
Cold War Tensions: The unit maintained a high state of readiness throughout the 1950s and 1960s, regularly participating in drills and alert exercises due to the constant threat of nuclear conflict.
Citizen-Soldiers: As a National Guard unit, the personnel were citizen-soldiers—many worked civilian jobs during the week and trained with the battalion on weekends.
Transition to NIKE-HERCULES: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the battalion began transitioning some sites from the NIKE-AJAX to the more advanced NIKE-HERCULES missiles, which were capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Community Impact: The presence of NIKE sites within suburban neighborhoods sometimes led to local controversies, but also fostered a sense of pride and security among residents.
Deactivation: The 2d Missile Battalion was inactivated in the late 1960s as part of a nationwide drawdown of the NIKE missile system, reflecting changes in air defense strategy and the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Veterans and Reunions: Former members of the battalion have held reunions and maintain online groups to share stories and preserve the history of their unique Cold War service.
Historic Sites Today: Some former NIKE missile sites once operated by the battalion are now parks or historical landmarks, with remnants of radar towers and missile silos still visible to the public.

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2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG

37 members•1 unit

2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG?

Do you have 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG.

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U.S. Army

Members

About 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX) 106th Arty NYARNG

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins and Activation: The 2d Missile Battalion (NIKE-AJAX), 106th Artillery, New York Army National Guard, was activated during the Cold War to provide air defense for the New York metropolitan area against potential Soviet bomber attacks.
NIKE-AJAX Missiles: The unit was equipped with the MIM-3 NIKE-AJAX, the United States' first operational, guided, surface-to-air missile system, capable of speeds up to Mach 2.3 and designed to intercept high-altitude bombers.
Strategic Location: Many of the battalion’s missile sites were strategically placed around New York City, including locations on Long Island and Staten Island, to create a protective "missile ring" for the city.
Cold War Tensions: The unit maintained a high state of readiness throughout the 1950s and 1960s, regularly participating in drills and alert exercises due to the constant threat of nuclear conflict.
Citizen-Soldiers: As a National Guard unit, the personnel were citizen-soldiers—many worked civilian jobs during the week and trained with the battalion on weekends.
Transition to NIKE-HERCULES: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the battalion began transitioning some sites from the NIKE-AJAX to the more advanced NIKE-HERCULES missiles, which were capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Community Impact: The presence of NIKE sites within suburban neighborhoods sometimes led to local controversies, but also fostered a sense of pride and security among residents.
Deactivation: The 2d Missile Battalion was inactivated in the late 1960s as part of a nationwide drawdown of the NIKE missile system, reflecting changes in air defense strategy and the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Veterans and Reunions: Former members of the battalion have held reunions and maintain online groups to share stories and preserve the history of their unique Cold War service.
Historic Sites Today: Some former NIKE missile sites once operated by the battalion are now parks or historical landmarks, with remnants of radar towers and missile silos still visible to the public.