The complex consists of two launch pads, LC-18A, which was originally built by the United States Navy for the Vanguard rocket, and LC-18B, which was originally by the United States Air Force used for tests of the PGM-17 Thor missile.

A further Viking launch was conducted in May 1957, and the Vanguard made its maiden flight from the complex in September.

This failed to reach orbit and was destroyed by range safety 43 seconds after launch.

Following the retirement of the Scout family at Cape Canaveral (opting instead to have launches conducted from the Wallops Flight Facility), LC-18 has sat dormant.

As of August 2024, the United States Space Force plans to fully demolish the site and the neighboring SLC-17 in favor of extending Lighthouse Road and reconnecting its two separate sections back together.