Everyone knows that, especially the aerodynamicists and engineers, only no one told the bumblebees. “Operation Bumblebee” was a secret project to test the theory that a ramjet rocket could work and produce self-sustaining thrust.

The island is dotted with the observation towers from the period. The launchpad is still used as a patio at the Jolly Roger Inn, the control blockhouse is near the Town of Topsail Beach town center, and several of the old towers had been made into homes.