You've visited Nike Missile Site - POAP Global

This POAP is to certify that the holder has visited Nike Missile Site. Message from the adventurer: Celebrate your connection to a piece of Cold War history with this POAP commemorating Nike Missile Site BA-79, where the Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol headquarters is now located and preserving the site. Nike Missile Site BA-79 is a historic anti-aircraft missile site that was designed to protect the Baltimore/DC area from long-range, nuclear-armed Soviet bombers. The site began in 1954 with first-generation Ajax missiles arriving by 1956. Within a few years, longer-range, 2nd-generation Hercules missiles were added to the arsenal, eventually replacing the Ajax missiles. Hercules missiles were able to carry a much larger payload allowing them to be outfitted with a nuclear warhead. The site was originally operated by the regular U.S. Army, but the Maryland Army National Guard assumed operations of the Ajax battery when the Hercules arrived and, by the mid-60s, were in charge of the nuclear-tipped Hercules missiles. The site was only operational for 20 years before their mission became obsolete with Soviet ICBMs becoming the major nuclear threat to the United States. By owning this POAP, you're not only honoring the brave men and women who served at BA-79 but also those preserving a significant piece of American history.