Nike Missile Site LA-04 Mt Gleason CA - PHOTOS - Missile Assembly Area
The missile assembly and testing area lies just outside the fence and east of the launch site. The missile assembly building still contains an interior hoist presumably used to lift missiles. A large berm, 12-15 feet high, separates the missile assembly building from the electric power plant/generator building. An 8000-gallon underground diesel storage tank lies to the north of the generator building. Presumably, the large berm would protect the missile assembly area in case of explosion from the diesel fuel. The electric power plant/generator building is still operable and currently provides backup power for the California Department of Corrections. The three large diesel generators manufactured by General Electric appear to be World War 11 vintage. A 1946-47 technical manual found in the current fire station administrative office explains the operation of these generators.
FRONT VIEW OF MISSILE ASSEMBLY BUILDING, LOOKING NORTHEAST
SIDE VIEW OF MISSILE ASSEMBLY BUILDING, LOOKING EAST
Sentry Dog Facilities
The kennels, canine equipment storage, and dog equipment storage shed were added in 1959-60 when Mt. Gleason converted to HERCULES. No more men were added to the base at this time despite the fact that Mt. Gleason increased in military strength once it became nuclear-capable with HERCULES. Instead, sentry dogs were added to all NIKE-HERCULES sites. At Mt. Gleason, a double fence was added to the area surrounding the launch pads to provide a dog runway.
VIEW OF DOG KENNELS LOCATED AT LAUNCH SITE, LOOKING NORTH
Photos - Overall Viewt
Photos - Launch Area
Photos - Administrative Area
Photos - Missile Assembly Area
Photos - Silos Alpha and Bravo
Photos - Silo Catfish Exterior
Photos - Silo Catfish Interior
Photos - Radar Area
Photos - Site Plans
Information about this Nike Site
Other Los Angeles Sites & LA Site Information
Other California Sites
Other Locations by State