The Montauk Project: Inside the Secret Time Travel Experiments at Camp Hero Military Base
The Montauk Project and Camp Hero represent one of the most intriguing chapters in American military history. Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk Point served as a strategic military location throughout multiple decades of the 20th century. The area's unique geography—once an island itself before becoming connected to Long Island by a natural sandbar approximately 2,000 years ago—gave it special significance, with its name possibly derived from a Native American term meaning "mountain in the sea."
Camp Hero's military significance evolved dramatically over time, transitioning between Army and Air Force control while housing cutting-edge radar technology. The massive SAGE radar system installed there was among the first operational units in the United States, becoming fully active in 1948 just months after the Air Force was established as a separate military branch. Despite its official closure in 1981-1983, many questions remain about what actually occurred during the facility's final operational years. Even now, more than four decades after its decommissioning, visitors report unusual phenomena when exploring the property that has since been converted into a state park.
Key Takeaways
The Montauk military installation was strategically positioned at Long Island's easternmost point and pioneered advanced radar technology development during the Cold War.
Camp Hero operated through several military transitions, housing up to 600 personnel during World War II before scaling down during its later Air Force control phase.
The powerful SAGE radar system installed at Montauk disrupted local electronics and possibly created unusual effects, contributing to the site's mysterious legacy.
Brian Minck's Background
Brian Minck has established himself as a dedicated Camp Hero researcher with a connection to the site spanning decades. His exploration of the abandoned military base began during his childhood and intensified in 1994 when he started investigating more systematically.
Minck documented his experiences through detailed field reports over many years. These notes eventually formed the foundation for his comprehensive book "Montauk Is Strange," which took him approximately two months of intensive writing to complete after years of data collection.
His expertise stems from firsthand experience at Camp Hero, located on the southernmost peninsula of Long Island. The area holds particular significance as Montauk itself was once an island until about 2,000 years ago when a sandbar connected it to Long Island. During storms, this connection sometimes disappears temporarily, briefly returning Montauk to its island status.
Camp Hero served as a significant military installation that housed both Army and Air Force operations. The military presence in Montauk was so extensive that at one point, the entire peninsula was designated as the "US Military Reservation," with various branches maintaining bases throughout the area.
The base experienced several phases of military occupation:
Army presence during World War II (approximately 600 enlisted men and 40 officers)
Air Force occupation beginning in 1948 (around 200 personnel)
Later Army returns for various projects
Minck has thoroughly researched the technological advancements tested at Montauk. The location repeatedly served as a testing ground for cutting-edge military technology, particularly radar systems. In 1948, some of the first Air Force radar installations on the East Coast were established there, just three months after the Air Force itself was created.
The site's most notable feature, the SAGE radar system (officially designated ANS3 FPS-35), represented critical defense infrastructure. This massive radar installation, which became the iconic symbol of Montauk, was the first operational model of its kind deployed in the field from a series of twelve similar systems.
Overview of the Montauk Project
The Montauk Project centered around Camp Hero, a substantial military installation located at the easternmost tip of Long Island in Montauk, New York. This peninsula was once an island, only connecting to the mainland by a sandbar approximately 2,000 years ago. The name "Montauk" itself may derive from an ancient term meaning "mountain in the sea," reflecting its unique geographical position.
Camp Hero operated as a joint military facility with both Army and Air Force personnel stationed there during different periods. At its peak during World War II, the base housed around 600 enlisted men and 40 officers, complete with hospital facilities and staff quarters. The Air Force presence was smaller, typically under 200 personnel.
The military first established a significant presence in 1948 when the newly-formed Air Force installed radar systems, making Montauk one of the first three Air Force stations on the East Coast. The facility served as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology, particularly in radar development. The massive SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) radar installation at Montauk was the first operational unit of its kind in the field.
Notable Technical Issues:
Early radar operations were frequently interrupted
Calibration problems plagued the system for the first two years
The radar disrupted civilian television and radio signals every 12 seconds
Vehicle ignitions in town (4-5 miles away) were affected
The military officially closed the radar installation in 1969, though the base remained in a "mothballed" status under ADTAC (Air Defense Tactical Air Command) for about 13 years. This period of limited operations without a clear mission raises questions about what activities might have continued at the facility.
The base was finally decommissioned between 1981-1983. Interestingly, this shutdown period coincides with when numerous reports suggest underground experiments allegedly spiraled out of control. The military's official position is that the base was closed because its technology had become outdated, replaced by a newer radar system in Riverhead, NY.
Camp Hero has been closed for approximately 42 years now and has operated as a public park for the last 22 years. Despite this conversion to civilian use, visitors still report unusual energies and phenomena while exploring the grounds, suggesting that whatever occurred there may have left a lasting imprint on the location.
Camp Hero and Montauk Point: A Geographical Perspective
Camp Hero sits at the extreme southeastern peninsula of Long Island, New York, specifically at Montauk Point. This location holds unique geographical characteristics that made it strategically valuable for military purposes.
Montauk itself has an interesting geological history. It existed as an island approximately 2,000 years ago before becoming connected to Long Island by a natural sandbar. During severe storms, this connection can temporarily disappear, effectively turning Montauk back into an island. The name "Montauk" is believed by some to derive from indigenous terms meaning "mountain in the sea," highlighting its distinctive geography.
The military complex known as Camp Hero occupied a substantial portion of the peninsula. It was divided between Army and Air Force operations throughout its active years. A separate Navy installation was also positioned nearby, making the entire area a significant military reservation.
Military Presence Timeline:
Army occupation during World War II (approximately 600 enlisted men, 40 officers)
Air Force installation beginning in 1948
Reduced personnel (under 200) during Air Force operations
Final closure between 1981-1983
The military infrastructure was extensive, featuring:
Hospital facilities with nurses' quarters
Officers' housing
Support buildings
Radar installations
Camp Hero's geographical position made it ideal for early warning systems against potential threats approaching from the Atlantic. The first operational SAGE radar system in the field was installed at Montauk, demonstrating the site's strategic importance for coastal defense.
The powerful SAGE radar (designation FPS-35) had significant environmental impact. Its operation affected vehicles up to several miles away, disrupting ignitions and causing television and radio interference throughout the surrounding community. These electronic disturbances occurred approximately every 12 seconds as the radar dish completed its rotation.
After decommissioning, the property remained under "caretaker status" for several years before complete abandonment. Today, 42 years after its closure, the former military installation has been converted into public parkland, accessible for the past 22 years.
The geographic isolation and electromagnetic properties of the area continue to make Montauk Point a subject of interest. Visitors report unusual phenomena and sensations while exploring the grounds, perhaps reflecting the site's history of high-powered electronic installations.
Military History of Montauk
Montauk is located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, once an island itself until about 2,000 years ago when a sandbar connected it to the mainland. The military presence in Montauk was substantial, with the entire peninsula at one point designated as the "US Military Reservation."
Camp Hero served as a significant military installation divided between Army and Air Force operations. The base underwent several phases of military occupation and abandonment as technologies evolved and became obsolete.
During World War II, Camp Hero housed approximately 600 enlisted men and 40 officers. The installation functioned as a small town, complete with a hospital and nurses' quarters. After the war ended, the Army withdrew from the area.
In 1948, just three months after the Air Force was established as a separate military branch, they moved into the property. Montauk became one of the first three Air Force stations on the East Coast, demonstrating its strategic importance. The other two stations were located in New Jersey.
The Army maintained a presence on another section of the property, operating anti-aircraft guns for approximately eight years. Later, they returned to construct a Nike missile base, though this project was never completed due to the rapid obsolescence of the technology.
The most notable military feature at Montauk was the SAGE radar system, one of the most advanced defense systems of its time. The Montauk radar (technical designation ANS3 FPS-35) was the first operational unit of its kind—the prototype remained in Alabama for testing. This massive radar installation represented cutting-edge technology for the era.
Interestingly, the radar experienced significant technical challenges during its early operation. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that the radar was offline for substantial periods during its first two years of operation, allegedly for calibration purposes.
The powerful radar had unexpected side effects in the surrounding area:
Disrupted vehicle ignitions
Interrupted television and radio signals in town (approximately 4-5 miles away)
Caused signal loss every 12 seconds during radar rotation
The Air Force officially ceased operations at the radar station in 1969. However, the base remained open in a "mothball" status under ADTAC (Air Defense Tactical Air Command) for approximately 13 years, despite no longer having a clear primary mission.
The base finally closed between 1981 and 1983, having been fully decommissioned for 42 years now. The property has functioned as a park for the past 22 years. Despite its closure, visitors to the former base continue to report unusual experiences and observations on the property.
Technological Breakthroughs and Scientific Investigations at Montauk
Radar System Development
The Montauk military installation served as a premier testing ground for cutting-edge radar technology throughout its operational history. In 1948, just three months after the formation of the Air Force, Montauk received one of the first three Air Force radar stations on the East Coast. This established a pattern of the base being selected for early deployment of experimental technologies.
The SAGE radar system installed at Montauk represented a significant technological leap. It was the first operational frequency diversity radar (or oscillating frequency radar) deployed in the field out of twelve constructed units. The initial activation period proved challenging, with the system frequently offline during its first two years of operation while engineers conducted calibration work.
The power of this radar was remarkable. When active, it disrupted vehicle ignitions in the surrounding area and caused television and radio interference in the town approximately 4-5 miles away. Every twelve seconds, as the radar completed its rotation, local residents experienced momentary signal loss on their televisions.
Microwave Auditory Effects
One of the most intriguing scientific phenomena associated with the Montauk facility involves the microwave auditory effect. Radar technicians at the base reported unusual auditory sensations when working with the equipment. These experiences included hearing clicks, buzzing, hissing, or popping sounds that seemed to originate within their heads rather than from external sources.
This phenomenon was formally documented in 1961 when researcher Alan Fry published scientific papers on the subject. The effect occurs when microwave radiation interacts with human tissue, essentially using the head as a sonic medium. As the radar beam swept past personnel, it could produce these phantom sounds without any actual audio being transmitted through the air.
The powerful SAGE radar system likely amplified these effects. Given the radar's known ability to interfere with electronic equipment at significant distances, its potential impact on nearby personnel raises important scientific and safety questions about the technology deployed at the facility.
Timeline of Operational Changes and Closure of Montauk Base
The Montauk military installation, located at the far eastern tip of Long Island's South Peninsula, underwent several operational phases throughout its existence. Initially, the area housed multiple military branches, with the entire Montauk peninsula once designated as the "US Military Reservation."
After World War II ended, the Army departed the base. The Air Force subsequently moved onto the property around 1948, establishing one of the first three Air Force stations on the East Coast. This transition marked Montauk as a pioneering location for deploying new military technologies.
During 1948-1956, the Army shared the property, maintaining anti-aircraft guns on the opposite side from Air Force operations. The Army returned a third time to construct a Nike missile base, though this project was never completed due to technological obsolescence.
The installation's most significant development was the SAGE radar system, a massive defense network crucial to US security. Despite its importance, this radar system was decommissioned in 1969 as newer technologies emerged.
Period Military Branch Primary Function WWII Era Army Defense (600 enlisted, 40 officers) 1948-1969 Air Force Radar operations (<200 personnel) 1948-1956 Army Anti-aircraft artillery Later period Army Incomplete Nike missile site
Between 1969-1981, the base entered a peculiar phase. Though lacking a primary mission, it remained operational under ADTAC (Air Defense Tactical Air Command) in a "mothballed" status while awaiting formal closure. This period lasted approximately 13 years.
The final shutdown occurred between 1981-1983, coinciding with the activation of a replacement radar in Riverhead, further west on Long Island. The base entered caretaker status during its final months, with activities during this terminal period remaining largely undocumented.
Technical issues plagued the base's operations, particularly with the FPS-35 SAGE radar system. When first activated, this radar—the first operational unit of its kind—required multiple shutdowns during its initial two years for calibration. The powerful system reportedly disrupted vehicle ignitions and caused television and radio interference in the town approximately 4-5 miles away.
Since its closure in 1982-1983, the base has remained shuttered for approximately 42 years. The property was converted to parkland about 21-22 years ago, though visitors report that some of the unusual energy from its operational days still lingers on the grounds.
Current State of Montauk and Camp Hero
Camp Hero, once a significant military installation at the eastern tip of Long Island, now stands as a silent witness to decades of mysterious activity. The base sits on Montauk Point, the southernmost peninsula of Long Island, an area that was once an island itself until about 2,000 years ago when a sandbar connected it to the mainland. During severe storms, this natural connection occasionally breaks, temporarily returning Montauk to its island status.
The military presence at Montauk was extensive. Various branches established bases there, with Camp Hero serving as both an Army and Air Force facility. At one point, the entire peninsula was designated as a U.S. Military Reservation. The base has been closed since 1982-1983, with the property transformed into a public park for the past 22 years.
Camp Hero's operational timeline reveals interesting patterns. After World War II, the Army departed, and by 1948, the Air Force installed some of the first radar systems on the East Coast. The property frequently hosted cutting-edge technology deployments, particularly in radar systems. The massive SAGE radar system installed at Montauk was actually the first operational unit of its kind, making it historically significant in U.S. defense technology.
Military Occupation at Camp Hero World War II (Army) ~600 enlisted, ~40 officers Air Force Period Under 200 personnel Final Closure 1982-1983 Converted to Park ~2003
The radar technology at Montauk wasn't without problems. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that during the first two years of operation, the SAGE radar system was frequently offline for "calibration." The powerful radar affected vehicle ignitions in the area and disrupted television and radio signals approximately every 12 seconds as the radar dish rotated.
Some technological effects were even more concerning. Radar technicians reported hearing sounds inside their heads—hissing, buzzing, popping, or clicking—as the radar swept past, creating what's known as the "microwave audio auditory effect." This phenomenon was documented in a 1961 paper by Alan Fry, describing how radar could use the human head as a sonic medium.
Despite being closed for over four decades, visitors report unusual experiences and persistent strange energy when walking the grounds. The property retains an air of mystery that continues to attract researchers and curious visitors alike.
Modern-Day Anomalies and Legacy
The abandoned military base at Camp Hero continues to exhibit unexplained phenomena even decades after its official closure in the early 1980s. Visitors to the site report strange energetic occurrences that persist despite the passage of time. These anomalies seem to reinforce the site's reputation as a place where unconventional activities once occurred.
Camp Hero's radar technology created documented disturbances in the surrounding community. When first activated, the massive FPS-35 radar system (known as the SAGE radar) interfered with vehicle ignitions and disrupted television and radio signals in the town of Montauk approximately 4-5 miles away. Residents experienced signal interruptions roughly every 12 seconds as the radar completed its rotation.
Freedom of Information documents reveal that during its first two years of operation, the radar remained offline for significant periods. Officials claimed these shutdowns were for "calibration" purposes, though this explanation has raised questions among researchers.
The microwave audio auditory effect represents one of the more concerning technological phenomena associated with the base. Radar technicians reported hearing sounds—described as hissing, buzzing, pops, or clicks—directly in their heads as radar waves swept past them. This effect was formally documented by researcher Alan Fry in 1961, explaining how radar could use the human head as a sonic medium.
Montauk's geographical isolation likely contributed to its selection for sensitive projects. The area was originally an island until approximately 2,000 years ago when a sandbar connected it to Long Island. During storms, it still temporarily reverts to island status, creating natural barriers that would benefit secretive operations.
The military presence in Montauk was substantial and diverse. The entire peninsula was once designated as the "US Military Reservation," with Army, Air Force, and Navy all maintaining facilities in the area. At its peak during World War II, the base housed approximately 600 enlisted personnel and 40 officers, complete with hospital facilities and support structures that essentially formed a small, self-contained town.
Camp Hero consistently served as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies. The Montauk radar installation was the first operational SAGE radar of its kind deployed in the field out of twelve ultimately built. This pattern of technological pioneering raises questions about what other advanced systems might have been tested at the location.
After the SAGE radar was decommissioned in 1969, the base entered a puzzling period. It remained operational without a clear mission for approximately 13 years under ADTAC (Air Defense Tactical), essentially in a holding pattern awaiting formal closure. This extended "moth-balled" status from 1969-1982 represents one of the most mysterious chapters in Camp Hero's history.
Today, the property has been a park for over 20 years, allowing public access to what was once highly restricted military land. Despite its transformation into a recreational space, the site retains an unmistakable atmosphere that continues to intrigue visitors and researchers alike.
