Place

HM-69 Missile Assembly Building

A rectangular building with brown entry doors. A large mural of a missile is painted on the side
Maintenance of the missiles was a routine and important task on base

NPS Photo/ K Zylland

Quick Facts

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchairs Available

Maintenance was critical to keep missiles and warheads ready. This battery was in “hot status” rotation with the other three batteries of the 2nd Battalion in south Florida, with one always ready to aim their missiles at a moment’s notice. When a dignitary was in town, such as the US President, all four Batteries were on hot status.

Soldiers had to constantly test and maintain equipment.Though they had little downtime on duty, soldiers still enjoyed pursuits beyond their day-to-day jobs. This painting of a missile is original artwork, showing the pride soldiers took in being responsible for this technological marvel on the front line of the Cold War.

Everglades National Park

Last updated: March 23, 2021