Coliseum Central in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ajax
Upper Stage • Army • SAM
— Air Power Park Tour —
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017
1. Ajax Marker
Inscription.
Ajax. Upper Stage . Army . SAM. Beginning from the early 1950’s into the 1960’s, during the Cold War era, concerns created the need for basing surface-to-air missiles near U.S. military installations. Built for the U.S. Army by Western Electric and initially deployed in 1953, the Nike-Ajax missile was a vital part of this type of localized defensive perimeter which had been installed around the country. There were several Nike sites on the Peninsula., There are two Ajax liquid-fueled, upper stage rockets which are on display here in the park and typically carried a nuclear or conventional warhead.
Beginning from the early 1950’s into the 1960’s, during the Cold War era, concerns created the need for basing surface-to-air missiles near U.S. military installations. Built for the U.S. Army by Western Electric and initially deployed in 1953, the Nike-Ajax missile was a vital part of this type of localized defensive perimeter which had been installed around the country. There were several Nike sites on the Peninsula.
There are two Ajax liquid-fueled, upper stage rockets which are on display here in the park and typically carried a nuclear or conventional warhead.
Erected by Air Power Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 37° 2.598′ N, 76° 21.937′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Coliseum Central. Marker can be reached from West Mercury Boulevard (U.S. 258) west of LaSalle Avenue (Virginia Route 167), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 413 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton VA 23666, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. RF-4C Phantom II (a few steps from this marker); Nike-Ajax (a few steps from this marker); M-2 Corporal (within
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 407 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
