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Presque Isle AFB

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First Launch: 1959-01-01. Last Launch: 1961-06-25. Longitude: -68.04 deg. Latitude: 46.70 deg.

In 1941, the Army Corps of Engineers Boston District constructed an airstrip at this northern Maine location, which became a major embarkation point for American aircraft ferrying to Europe. During the early Cold War, the base was converted to host SAC fighter aircraft that escorted bombers flying out of Dow, Pease, Westover, and Loring AFBs.

On March 21, 1957, the Air Force selected Presque Isle to be the first Snark missile base. On January 1, 1959, Headquarters, Strategic Air Command activated the 702nd Strategic Missile Wing, placing it under the operational control of the Eighth Air Force.

The Corps of Engineers New England Division managed the construction of 6 missile assembly and maintenance buildings as well as 12 launch pads on which the mobile launchers could be placed.

On May 27, 1959, the first Snark missile arrived at Presque Isle and on March 18, 1960, the 702nd SMW placed a Snark missile on alert status. On February 28, 1961, SAC declared the 702nd SMW to be fully operational. However, a month later, President Kennedy ordered the Snark missile to be phased out as it "was obsolete and of marginal military value." On June 25, 1961, the Snark missile and the 702nd SMW were deactivated.