: Vol III No. 39
U. S. NAVAL STATION
Monday September 29, 1958
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U.S. FiiH EASTERN FORCES PaCK
POWERFUL PUNCH
U*S. fighting forces in the Pacific are now, or soon will be equipped with
some of the most formidable missiles in the nation’s arsenal.
The .army has officially confirmed consignment of a Nike-Hercules battalion for
service in the Pacific ^rea. The unit, to leave shortly, is the 2nd bn. of the
71st Arty. Ilegt., now stationed at Ft. bliss, Texas.
rihe Nike-Hercules, a dart-shaped guided missile 27 feet long, is designed for
surface to air work. The missile is described as an integral part of a weapons
system which electronically directs the missile to intercept the target.
The Nike-Hercules carries conventional as well as an atomic warheads. It is
designed so that an atomic detonation can occur to prevent damage to friendly su
rrounding terrain.
Navy aircraft of the Seventh Fleet are equipped with Sidewinder missiles. In
iiay, 1957? the Navy announced this weapon to be operational with the Sixth Fleet
in the Mediterranean and also the Seventh Fleet in the Pacific.
The Sidewinder is a new , but reliable, air-to-air missile which is guided to
it’s target by an infrared or heat-seeking device. The missile is designed for
destroying high-performance enemy fighters and bombers from sea level to altitude
of over 50,000 feet.
An Air iorce announcement recently confirmed that it was moving Tactical Air
Command aircraft to the far Hast. The equipment was described as a ’’squadron of
jet fighters and some cargo aircraft."
An .uir Force spokesman said F-1G0 Super Sabres were included in the movement*
ihe Super Sabre carries four M-39 cannons, and can mount air-to-air missiles as
well as carry nuclear weapons.
The Air Force also has the Matador guided missile positioned on Formosa. The
Matador is a tactical missile 30*6 feet long and subsonic. -It is capable of de
livering conventional or nuclear warheads hundreds of miles.
With these new and modern weapons our Nation’s Armed Forces stand prepared to
defend and retaliate against any aggression.
_ V.
13ND-5954 Navy-DPPO 13ND Brem., Wn.