12-14-19 Nike Missile Control Site tour - Cold War Era site -

For those that did not have a chance to make it to our June tour, we are offering the Nike Missile Control Site tour again on Saturday, December 14, 2019, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am.

In June, the ranger did not have the gate open. The Museum has contacted the City of LA and we have been told as long as it is not raining, the gate will be open. If it is raining, the event will be canceled.

LA-96C was one of 16 Nike Missile Control Sites operated by the Army from the 1950s to the 1970s. These batteries circled the Los Angeles basin in what was called a “Ring of Supersonic Steel." The headquarters for the program was located in San Pedro’s Fort MacArthur. Few Angelenos were aware that many, many of nuclear missiles at military bases near their homes, their schools, and their parks, ready to be fired.

Franky Ortega, teacher, specialist on valley history related to the military and The Museum SFV board member, returns to present the history of this site and lead discussion with attendees.

What's with the name Nike? Well, the Army named their first anti-aircraft surface to air missile program after the Greek goddess of Victory, Nike.

Location: San Vicente Mountain Park
17500 Mulholland Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Map and Directions
San Fernando Valley: Ventura Fwy (101) to Balboa Blvd exit. South (right) on Balboa Blvd. for 0.75 mile. East (left) on Ventura Blvd for 0.5 mile and turn south (right) on Hayvenhurst Ave. for 1.5 miles then west (right) on Encino Hills Dr. Veer left on Mulholland Dr. Park is at the end of the road.

(With the park, it is in Brentwood - from the valley, folks call it in Encino - FYI) Meet at 9:20 Presentation at 9:30 am plus Q&A - The presentation will last one hour to 90 minutes with discussion and Q&A.

Please wear proper shoes, clothing and bring some water.

(With the park, it is in Brentwood - from the valley, folks call it in Encino - FYI)
Cost: $10/pp; PLEASE RSVP and pay in advance via EventBrite. 

RSVP on Facebook.

Walk-up attendees are welcome. Canines are free to listen in too...
We would appreciate advance notice for this special event by calling 818-347-9665 or themuseumsfv@gmail.com and let us you will be attending.

Soldier stands guard over poised Nike guided missile. Four Nike bases form main line of defense for critical Valley area. September 8, 1960 (Courtesy: Los Angeles Public Library)
Posted by:

Michel (Michael) Stevens
The Museum SFV