The Army Air Defense Command Post (AADCP) at Highlands directed the Nike fire units in the New York Defense Area, replacing the Nike missile "manual operations center" at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

The 1957 site plan was for 45–50 acres (18–20 ha);[8] construction began July 10, 1958; the Missile Master was accepted in May 1960;[5] and the dedication was on June 5.

[3] The Army assumed control of the Highlands Air Force Station after the DoD had announced its closure for July 1966.

The first Hughes AN/TSQ-51 Air Defense Command and Coordination System in the nation as activated at the HAADS.

On July 3, 1984, the Monmouth County Park System signed for the deed to the remaining land.