From: Chris    
25 Dec 2004

I'm looking for a picture of the hindenberg outside it's hanger doors. "No Skoking", or "No Rauchen" is written in big letters. Have you seen this photo or know where I could possibly find it?

From: Dave Black of CA   
23 Dec 2004

Superb website! As a volunteer docent at the Moffett Field Historical Society and Museum, I can imagine your display area inside Hangar 1 is awe inspiring as well. It's an absolute tragedy that we have been forced from our space inside Hangar One at Moffett Field. We are hoping to regain access someday, but there is recent talk of tearing down Hangar One...a major calamity in the making!

From: Howard G. Williams ISC, USN-R (ret) of CT   
19 Dec 2004

A Fantastic Website on a little-known chapter in Naval Aviation History so many people are unaware of. Growing-up in Philadelphia in late 50's; my Dad took me on repeated Sunday visits to Lakehurst. (I haven't been the same since). Born too late for LTA, I had to settle for P2-V and P-3 aircrew at N.A.S. Willow Grove in the 70's and 80's. I've visited both the Lakehurst and Moffett museums. Hope to vist both again. I'm still fascinated with the idea of designing and constructing a large model of one of the U.S.N. rigids someday.

Keep up the geat work!!

From: Chuck Large of MA  
10 Dec 2004

I was a member of zp-12 during the summer and fall of 1943. during that time we lost a member of the landing party when he hung on afer a ship bounced and rose up having to go around for another attempt at landing. we also had a ship crash into the water off the new jersey coast. I was transferred in January of 1944 to uss ticonderoga construction in newport news and finished out the war on her.

From: Thomas Pawlowski of Slupsk, Poland
08 Dec 2004

Today i.e. 8.12.04 on National Geografic channel I've seen a vicissittudes of AKRON and MACON airships. Then I've started look for more info about these airships and I found your page. I love airships. I live in SLUPSK (before second war it was German city), city where Nobile with "Italia" airship was before second war durig his famous trip to the north pole. Unfortunately, the hangar near Slupsk, where German airships and "Italia" before II war were docked, burnt up in 1988 (two firemans died). WHY WE DON'T FLY AIRSHIPS TODAY ?!

From: Scott Burnett of KS  
30 Nov 2004

I just finished reading on the Hindenburg,and am looking forword to the rest. I am a history nut,and this stuff makes me want more keep up the good work,"lest we forget"!!

From: Jim Pelinsky of FL   
21 Nov 2004

Attended rigger "A" school late spring & early summer 1958 as a wide-eyed 18 yr old, truly enjoyed the experience, and all the females at Seaside Heights at that time, went on to a AEWRON in the north atlantic (2yrs YUCK!!!) packed in the neighborhod of 3500plus chutes,.....however, the greater Lakehurst area at that time sure was "HAPPY DAYS"....."HELLO" to all riggers everywhere, Jim

From: Bob Levittan of NY   
19 Nov 2004

I had no idea that the hangars were still extant. I'm putting your tour on my list of 'things to do' for me and my 12 year old daughter. I don't suppose I could fly into Lakehurst for the tour, could I? My guess is no. I'll fly into Lakewood and take a cab, I guess.....

From Tom Elliott of AZ    
11 Nov 2004

I reported to HU4 in the spring of 1960 on a limited duty transfer from St. Albans Naval Hospital and remained with the squadron until June62. If Willy Ray Fitch or Jake Muckenfuss read this, my eMail is posted. It was a good base but a chicken outfit.

NOTE: We do not publish e-mail addresses in order to avoid spam. If anyone wants this e-mail address please contact the webmaster.

From: Tim Shea of FL   
10 Nov 2004

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst as an air traffic controller from 1969 to 1972. I often worked in the control tower cab that is affixed to the northeast corner of Hangar 5. Quite a view from up there! And a long climb down if the elevator quit!

From: John Spielmann of CA    
05 Nov 2004

My co-worker's aunt, Zilda DeCarlo, went to Parachute Rigger School at Lakehurst in 1943 after completing WAVES basic training at Hunter College in The Bronx. She retired from the Navy Reserves as a CPO. Her aunt is 91 and has given me her naval service documents to review. One of them is her parachute rigger class photo. If you are interested, I can scan the photo and attach it in an email.

From: Al Grappone of CA    
25 Oct 2004

Is my memory failing me? I seem to remember using the capstan to open the doors of hangar 1 in 42 or 43. The capstan was on the hangar deck. After 62 years I could be wrong.

From: Marjorie Lange Dunn of CA  
23 Oct 2004

I was taken back at finding your site. My Father, Lt. Com. Earl Lange was to be on the ZPF-3Ws on July 6, 1960, but had gotten sick and could not go up that day. We lived on Long Beach Island and I remember how devested my Father was about the crash. He was part of the Lighter-Than- Air shut down and then was transferred to Norfolk, Va. I have been doing our genealogy and had written to my Aunt in PA and she reminded me of the day that my Dad could have died. Thank you for this web site and for the information I found so useful.

From: Muriel Smith of FL   
21 Oct 2004

Great site; appreciate your promoting the history of an important station

From: Giles Charlton Of England  
19 Oct 2004

I'm a huge Airship fan, especially the Hindenburg and hope to visit the U.S for the first time in March next year.

One of my first ports of call will be Lakehurst. If anyone can recommend somewhere local to stay and any other tips for visiting the area and site, please feel free to e-mail me.

From: William Baker   
17 Oct 2004

In my late father's collection I have found an origional "First Flight" menu card with a handwritten note to my father and his brother signed by Lt Com. J. Roagen..??? dated Wed. 23 Sept 1931.. Attached to the menu card is a piece of grey-blue skin... Would the historical society be interested in digital images of this???

From: Chelsea   
15 Oct 2004

i want to know what the chemical equation for the reaction aluminum underwnt in the disaster. But other than that great web page.

From: Alvaro Mendoza of FL   
09 Oct 2004

I was born in Barranquilla ,Colombia. In 1945 I was 5 year old and remember vividly seeing a big blimp travel around my hometown.(we called it by mistake Zeppelins).I was told that the U.S. Navy had an Air Station in Barranquilla to look out for German submarines that could attack in the Caribbean. Could you give some information about this Station? I will appreciate very much if you or some member could give information related to this Air Station.

From: Eleanor B. Anderson of CA   
04 Oct 2004

I was nine years old when this blimp crashed above our Crocker Elementary School in Daly City, CA. Moffett Field was a fascinating place which held magic for us as we rode past it. The blimp was another mysterious sight, and to have it appear in such condition too was the mystery. Thank you for the TV special which enlightened us and brought back this vivid memory. I am also remembering that an airplane crashed in the same place a little later. Do you know of this airplane?

From: Floyd Hiller of NY   
04 Oct 2004

In the spring of 1953 March I was assign to Chief of Naval Airship Training and Expetimal Command other words C.N.A.T.E. I was a yn3. I remember getting the two N- ships. Our office was just a short way from Hange 1 2 3 looking out the windows you could see the ships taking off. Never forget the problem the long lines being drop to early hitting the chicken farms and kill the chickens. I think we payed for more then we killed. The biggest personal problem we had was the crews flying low over the beach taking pictures of the girls suning them selves. I was at Lakehurst from 1953 to 1954. I was a USNR after serving with the class of officers I had it was hard to go back to USNR officers when my time was up I left the Navy. I realy enjoyed and learn a lot my time at Lakehurst

From: John C. Kane of MO   
01 Oct 2004

An excellent web site with up to date information. I am a former LTA pilot and had served several tours at NAS Lakehurst in the 1940s and the 1950s.

Terrific website--have been waiting for this to be formed for some time, congrats to all of you and thanks...

From: Carl B Rickerson of VA   
24 Sep 2004

I am 44 years old and my father past away 6 years ago. He was in the u.s.m.c.stationed in norfolk,va when the tradegy happened. He was sent to the Hindenburg site to guard it. In the process he took many pictures and also aquired some fabric of the airship itself which he placed in a scrap book which went to my older brother who is 62 yrs old and does not realize what he has and will not give it to me. Anyways, I ended up with a the cherished cup and a sterling silver burnt spoon untouched or polished, the handle on the cup is cracked due to the crash. I hope i can come to the next memorial, when is it if i can make it, as i am handicapped and cannot drive but i am ambulatory. Oh I wish my dad was living to tell his story about they way he got the items. I am hoping that someone within the society reads this and will email me. I am not ready to give up the cup or spoon yet as it is a family heirloom as of now.

From: Richard Browwer of PA   
20 Sep 2004

I am U.S. Navy retired 1959 to 1980 Prior to entering the U.S. Navy I was in The Navy reserves at Lakehurst N,J assigned to ZP-752 I believe the last lighter than air squadron in the Navy. I became a Parachute rigger and served several tours at Lkakhurst as a Instructor and a Naval Parachutist.

From: Michael Teixeira of VT   
09 Sep 2004

My name is Michael and I am 10 years old. I am very interested in the Hindenburg. I have read all I can on it. I also have read much on the Titanic and other disasters on the sea. What I really am looking for is a replica of the Hindenburg. One that maybe can be remotely controlled or battery powered. Do you know of any such thing? Please let me know. PS. My mom helped me with this email

From: Wayne Masters of British Columbia, Canada   
07 Sep 2004

Airships Over America,
Here are some confessions of an airship model builder. My interest in the rigid airship shape came from a ufo sighting, nightmares for years as a child of something coming over the horizon, quickly filling my field of vision, nightmares as a teen of 'wingless' cigar-shaped aircraft hovering in hallways, then quickly approaching. I discovered large airship books at a public library and studied all the shapes. Made a one foot long model of balsa wood struts and decided the Hindenburg had the best aesthetic visual lines. Took slides of all Hindenburg photos and enlarged them on walls to make new blueprints. Transinterpolated missing dimensional data. Constructed a seven, twenty-one, and forty-five foot long model of the Hindenburg but I streamlined the tailfins on the last one and it fit in a forty-five foot long trailer with four inches to spare. It almost was at Expo 86 in Vancouver but turned out to be too expensive. No state fair had an attractions budget to bring it for public viewing then. The wherabouts of this model is unknown as it was in free storage for years.

I can say it was a thrill to design, build and potentially operate a rigid airship. It is the egg shell concept. As I adjusted the tension of the shell to the central spine, eventually I could lift the airship from one end, only supported at the other end and there was no sag whatsoever and this is without gas bags installed.

I developed a fast, efficient construction technique and together with donated warehouse space and a few like minded people, a hundred foot model is possible. It is only at this length and larger that the inefficient cigar shape can afford heavier motors, rigging and payload.

I recently taped together a two mil black plastic hundred foot long hot air cigar shape and it was interesting to walk inside the inflated envelope as well as feel the tug on a mooring line in the wind.

Any interest in building a Hindenburg model, let me know.

From: Amanda Casey-Charles of LA   
07 Sep 2004

I have learned so much from your web site thank you.

From: Antonio Contreras of TX   
06 Sep 2004

Was stationed stationed at Lakehurst with ZW-1 & ZP-1 during 59-61. Enjoyed reading the comments from the guestbook. Have been wanting to visit the area for the last two years hopefully will be here soon. The LTA experience was something I will never forget. I was one of three survivors from the July 6, 1960 crash of ZPG-3W off N.J's Barneget Light and I still recall that day vividly in my memory.

From: Benny J.Rutledge of MI   
04 Sep 2004

Stationed there for RIGGERS"A"School spring of 68'Class 806.Walked guard duty in Hangar 1 several times.It really does get cloudy near the roof.Went into Camden,NJ and was the last of my Class to get a Tattoo from "Sailor Eddie"I had the best time of my young life at NATTC Lakehurst.Sure do miss it!

From: Michael G. Maki of MI    
30 Aug 2004

Was stationed at Lakehurt in fall of 67 till Feb. 68. Attended Parachute Rigger "A" School there. I remember pulling guard duty at one of those large hangers. Would like to go back some day. Nice site!!!!

From: Marion M. Smith of NJ    
24 Aug 2004

My dad witnessed the Hindenberg tragedy. I have some photographs and negatives that he captured. It seems he may have been on the "other" side, as I see what reminds me of a "pier" in the foreground?? Also, the few folks in the photo hadn't yet reacted to the event!!

Very informative site. I would like to visit someday.

From: bidesh mangra of NJ   
22 Aug 2004

Hi i am from guyana(british guiana) do you have any pictures or stories about any military ops in British Guiana (bg) during ww2, at atkinson field or Bartica.

From: ASD of Austria     
16 Aug 2004

hey! great pictures!!!

From: Greta Lagerberg of KS   
14 Aug 2004

What an exciting day I have had exploring various websites dedicated to CER. My mother, age 79, shared in passing the other day that one of her mother's cousins had much to do with LTA/ighter than air. She knew his name was Charles Emory Rosendahl, and that he was from Chicago. That was about all she could remember. As someone who loves history, what a fascinating voyage it was to begin exploring this man's rich history. And to know in some small way, we were related, made it very exciting. Thanks for the compilation of this important historical information. With my brother living in Dallas Texas, it won't take long for some of us in the family to visit the special collection, "The Charles E. Rosendahl Collection" at the UT/Dallas library.

From: Kevin White of England     
08 Aug 2004

What an excellent website to visit! I collect covers relating to flights of the airships covered by your site. I have gained a tremendous amount of information about the airships and their flights. Much appreciated! Keep up the good work.

From: Don. J. Townsend of FL  
08 Aug 2004

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst from January 1949 to May 1953 with HU-2. Enjoyed it so much, I met my wife there & still married. I made one Med cruise while there on the USS Baltimore CA-68. Always tried to get back there, but never could.

From: Phil Ortiz of CA  
05 Aug 2004

I attended PR "A" School in 1984/85. I remember marching through the snow and the wind, had a great time! I remember seeing snow on the beach for the first time. Great site!

From: Lisa Loy of NC   
04 Aug 2004

I write the aviation column for our local newspaper in Kitty Hawk, NC, and, fun as it was, I'm ready to pen a story that doesn't cover the Wright Brothers and the Centennial of Flight. My Grandfather, Thomas Thrasher, served aboard the USS Los Angeles and was stationed in the early 30's at Lakehurst. If anyone out there ever knew him, I'd be honored to hear from you. I have one of his fascinating old books entitled, The Story of the Airship by Hugh Allen, 7th ed., 1931 but I know little beyond that. Due to its proximity to the Outer Banks, my next story will focus on Weeksville NAS. If anyone has a story or photography to share about that facility, I'd welcome hearing from you. Best wishes!

From: Vito Labella of NY   
16 July 2004

My grandparrents had a farm close to the intersections of routes 571 & 70. As children we used to watch the blimps comming in and out of the Naval Air Station. My father took me on a tour of the station in the early 60's. Does anyone remember the old wooden bridge on "Alligator Road?" We used to call it rickity-rack-bridge.

From: Jack Edward O'Neal of WV  
12-July-2004

I was stationed at Lakehurst, NJ in 1934 and graduated from parachute school. Was called back to service in 1942. Was stationed at Lakehurst as a Parachute Instructor. I was the instructor for the first group of WAVES to complete Parachute School. I have pictures of people stationed at Lakehurst, approx.1942. I have a picture of the 1942 Graduating Class #66 of Parachute Rigger School. I also have a picture of Class #63 US Navy Parachute School, June 4, 1942. I have a newspaper clipping dated Feb. 6, 1943 of Waves in training at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. Josephine Hall and Mildred Dubay are included in picture. Nov. 11, 1942 picture of following men in graduation picture..Palermo, Bryant, Hatt, Lt. Conroy, Stroup.

From: Robert Mitchell of FL   
11-July-2004

Great site! I was born in Toms River in 1943. My dad was stationed at Lakehurst at the time, and going to school there. Maybe there's some "old timers" there that knew Ernest L. White? He was ABM Chief then. My mother worked at the base during the war, packing parachutes, etc. And sometimes the sailors would take care of me, and take me for a chopper ride and even for a blimp ride she said! Well obviously I would join the Navy too and have a great career. I have fond memories of Lakehurst NAS and the town I grew up in. "Semper Fi" HMC(FMF) USN (Ret)

From: Ally   
6 July 2004

Today, the sixth of july, i was watching the history channel on "engineering disaters" and Hindenburg was on the list as one of the most tragic. Watching the live footage of this disaster was incredible. After seeing this on the television, i immediately ran to the computer to see what i could find about this disaster and i came upon this website. It was very informative, and i am happy to know i am no longer ignorant on this historical event!

From: Dirk Ahle of VA    
29 June 2004

I did two courses at NAS Lakhurst while a midshipman at USNA. I did the basic freefall course in the summer of '72 and an abbreviated riggers course in '73. 3 or 4 middies did the course because we had some Army T-10s at USNA that we used in our jump club for the dope ropers and we didn't have any riggers. I have some found memories jumping out freefall out of the old R4D (C-47) that the PRs and "Chuting Stars" used in Lakehurst.

I was stationed at the Marine Barracks at Lakehurst from 1970-1973. I was discharged from Lakehurst around the middle of 1973. When I was discharged I had more time in the barracks than any of the other men. While I was there we seved as M.P.'s and patroled the base perimeter. We also had duty on the Main Gate and other duties. Lakehurst was the best base of any of the bases I served on. I enjoyed my tour there and think of the times I had there often. We had a rifle team and we won the District trophy for our area. When I was discharged the trophy that we won was on display in the barracks. The base C.O and our C.O. was very proud of us and I have pictures of our rifle team and the trophy that we won for the base. During my time there the Blue Angels came for an air show and one of them flew through one of the hangers from one end and out the other end. I beleive they said they weren't going to let them do that anymore after that time. They put on quite a show. Would like to talk to anyone that served during the time period I was there. I hope to be able to visit Lakehurst again sometime.

From: PK Lewis of SD   
24-June-2004

I served at Lakehurst in ZW1 from '58 to 7/60 when discharged as an ACW-2. I was a crewmember of CAC (combat air crew) 204 that crashed and lost all crewmen but one in July of 1960. I missed the flight because was due for discharge the 27th of the month, but had flown with the crew just days before. I'm still saddened when I think of all the good men lost in that tradgedy. Most were good friends and I named my son after Roger Kiesel.

From: Mel Jasper of OR  
23-June-2004

Your site on the web is very nice. I lived on Guam as a 12 year old in 1947-48. I have been trying to find past info on Guam and the area that I lived in: Next to where the 103rd CB Base was. My Father was a Chief Warrant Officer at the time. Had so many great Island friends. Great memories..................

From: Richard Melville of TX  
01-June-2004

Thank you for caring enough to preserve this important part of the History of Aviation in the United States. The Lighter than Air Craft contributed greatly to where we are today in the development of Aviation. God Be with your Venture. I am proud for the Heritage that has been preserved.

From: Jerome H Wood of WI  
29-May-2004

Class A Parachute Rigger School graduate of 1958. Looking for information on class mates. Was on USS Independence and USS Purdy and VQ2 Moroco and Spain and TAD Turkey. 1957 to 1961

From: Kristi Hindenburg of IN   
25-May-2004

I really like this site. I have done a lot of searching of information about the great Hindenburg blimp, due to it being an obvious part of my family history (my last name!). I have written many papers for school about it and and my personal interest is always peaked when I find new information about it. I hope sometime soon, I will be able to visit the Hindenburg Memorial site when you have the yearly ceremony in May. It would mean a great deal to me.

From: Jennifer Boncey of France  
12-May-2004

I have just finished reading a book I got from a Flohmarkt in Bavaria ( I lived and worked there for more than 20 years). It's in German, was printed in 1936 and is by Ernst Lehmann "Auf Luftpatrouille und Weltfahrt". It's an overview of the history of Luftschiffe (blimps I suppose you call them) from about 1895. I bought it because I'm researching those used in the Great War. It's full of detail and so well written (if you can decipher the text) that I had to read to the end. The end of the book is the beginning of the Hindenburg. A quick web search has found your site. I'm sure Capt Lehmann would have approved. I'd be interested to sell the book if anyone would like to email me.

From: Marcia Sexton of OR   
10-May-2004

Some of my favorite of the stories that my dad would tell involved the Akron, Macon, Los Angeles, and Shenandoah. The idea of a lighter-than-air ship that could carry airplanes was just facinating. Later, I discovered that my birthday falls on the anniversary of the Hindenburg accident. My compliments on a really great website; I'll refer all of the young college students who don't believe me to this site. I hope I can visit Lakehurst someday. I have visited the one remaining hanger in Tillamook, Oregon, and it houses a really nifty air museum (the Spruce Goose resides in a different museum a few hours' drive inland). The other hanger burned years ago, while it was being used to store hay. The structure of the hanger is really interesting, and like many great things, bigger than it appears in photos.

From: Roy C. Thomas of CA
05-May-2004

I just enjoyed reading the accounts of the riddle of L-8. I was an eye witness to the "drift-in" of the blimp. I lived at 2443 28th Ave., San Francisco, in the Parkside district. I was almost 11 years old on August 16 1942. I was looking southward, down 28th Ave towards Daly City. (Actually Daly City of that day was a little bit more to the southeast, and due south was mostly farmland.) The one thing I have not heard mentioned in any of the accounts of the incident, was that the blimp had definitely lost helium when I saw it drifting, (probably holed when it scraped the beach.) It was "bent" into a shallow "Vee", and moving slowly west-to-east. It was out of my visual range when it came to rest. I think it eventually landed on Bellevue, near Crocker Ave., which is well up the west flank of San Bruno mountain, and one of the last few streets before open hillside. I would estimate the altitude to be 200-300 ft. That was an exciting period for a boy to live in the Sunset. At night, Lockheed "Hudsons" would tow targets up & down the coast and we'd watch the tracers and airbursts from the Fort Funston area from the 2nd floor of our home. All of the windows were broken, taped, & retaped from practice fire of the old 14" coast defense battery at Ft. Funston...we'd see a bright yellow flame with brown smoke peal from the "flattop" hill at Funston, then seconds later the house would shake from the concussion..(drove my mother nuts.) Blmps became a regular part of the scenery from out our back window, hovering over the convoys making up outside the Golden Gate. I have always been fascinated by airships. When I was 3 years old, living on 22nd Ave., my Dad held me up at night to see the Macon pssing overhead. I still remember the sound of the motors and the lights.. I'm happy to see that Goodyear has preserved the gondola from the L-8.

From: Andrew P of CO  
28-April-2004

It's grate for information

From: Sheila Frank of Germany (military dependant)
26-April-2004

my daddy raised me with movies of the hindenburg, famous wars and alot of german history. came in helpful for those school projects. i called him one night and he mentioned your museum being in frankfurt. i researched this for him and found your society. i am so glad i did! i was glad to come to germany because i could visit historical places for daddy and send him pictures and such. yours will be my next visit. i cannot wait to share this experience with daddy. he can live his dreams through me.

From: Rold-Michael Born of FL
23-April-2004

I WAS THE INTERPRETER FOR SURVIVORS OF THE HINDENBURG AND KAPITAN HANS VON SCHILLER THERE IN JUNE OF 71 FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAKEHURST. I ALSO LIVED IN TOMS RIVER FROM 65 TO 72 AND WENT TO PR A SCHOOL AND MY FATHER WORKED AT THE AIR TEST FACILITY

Charlie J Wilkin of PA  
23-April-2004

For Max McIntive I see you were in HU-2 so was I 58-61 I was an ATN-2 flew in HUPS and HRS.Several crusises.If they print this contact me.We were in hanger

Charlie, we have passed on your information to Max. Hope he gets in touch with you. Webmaster

From: Max McIntire of SC
21-Apr-2004

Was assigned to Hu-2 at Lakehurst in 1960 & 61 as a AE-3. Cruises on the Essex, Shangra La and Saratoga. one of first duties after checking into Hu2 was going to Philly Ship yard with a crew to get furniture from a hospital Ship that had been closed up since 1945. Furniture as used for the newly beng formed HU-1 Squadron

From: Don Morell of MI 
21-Apr.2004

I was stationed at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst from 1972-1973. I was a Yeoman of the Naval Air Maintenance Training Detachment, located in Hanger 1. Our office was on the second deck. This site brings back many memories of the people I served with and living in Casey Hall. The memory that sticks out the most though, is walking the catwalks in hanger 1. The size of the hangar was phenominal to this then 19 year old.

From : Bob Greer of NV 
02-Apr-2004

Why isn't there anything on Parachute Riggers school? A lot of us older Riggers miss Lakehurst. Went to both "A" & "C" School there. We miss Casey Hall, The Wave Cage and the ole Sea breeze, Fond memories. How about the rumors of HGR #1 being haunted??

From: John E. Snyder of NJ  
11-March-2004

I live about a hlf hr from Lakehurst. Last month I deceided to take a trip to the base and photograph Hangar #1. After opening my hood, tailgate, and doors, I was also searched and asked why I wanted photos. I told Public Affairs I was a member of the Lighter Than Air Society and fascinated with airships. After being sent to 3 different guard posts and filling out forms and attaining a base pass, I was escorted onto the site to photograph the hangar and crash site with my new digital camera. Pics came out great but I think I will wait till tours resume next time. Great site you have here. I will join the Historical Society now.

From: Jim Miller   
5-March-2004

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst from 1960 to late 1962 as a member of ZP-3. My tour of duty there ended when the squadron was decommissioned. My duties there were in the electronics shop and as a member of a flight crew. I flew in ships #716 and #717. I regard my experiences there and with fellow shipmates as some of the most memorable in my life.

From: Dr. Ray Brandes
29-Feb-2004

My father Theodore Clarence Carl Brandes served on tin cans and then went into LTA, first on the USS Akron. The family moved to Lakehurst and Lakewood while he was on that ship. He was in sick bay the night it went down with only 3 survivors. He was then assigned to the USS Macon and we went with him to Akron, Ohio for a time while the ship was being finished there. We moved out to California and when the Macon went west he was with it, stationed at Sunnyvale, California. We were there when the Macon went down and I clearly recall the night we got the news. We were renting a home out in an orange grove and could see the hanger all lit up. He wrote several magazine stories about the ship going down off Point Sur and the fact that he couldn't swim and was pulled out of the water. He retired and then when WWII broke out he was called back to pilot blimps and was stationed at Tillamook, Oregon for perhaps 3-5 years.

From: Clifford G. Zervos
18-Feb-2004

My Grandfather was Wilmer I. "Joby" Carr. He and a couple of my uncles were pulling line on the Hindenburg when it blew up. I was born at the base hospital in 1945. My grandfather also was part of the construction crew that laid the first ribs for the Shenandoah. When I was a todler he was a techrep to the base in the late 40's when they were still flying blimps. He would take me to the base and into the helium bags that were being repaired/inspected.

The current Wilmer "Jody"(as my aunt calls him)Carr is my uncle.

From: Peter Rokosz
04-Feb-2004

When I was younger I would always visit my grandparents in Lakehurst. Almost half of the time I would always go to the Naval Base with my grandfather and still being amazed by it everytime I was there. Unfortunately I haven't been able to go back in quite some time. But from what it looks like you guys are doing great. Keep up the good work.

From: Roberta G. Winzinger
04-Feb-2004

Enjoyed looking at your site. I was born in the Lakehurst NAS dispensary in 1953 when my dad was stationed with the LTA squadron. I believe it was ZP-3. When I was just a few years old he was stationed in Akron, Ohio with the Navy's representative at Goodyear when they were manufacturing blimps. A few years later we were back at Lakehurst. He spent time there again later in his career with HC-2 and HSL-30 helicopter squadrons, but he had a fond nostalgia for blimps.

From: Daryl J Smith
28-Jan-2004

I am building an 8ft LZ129. The site helps greatly

From: Mike Capitani   
27-Jan-2004

Just found your site, hope to use it often.

From: John B. Smitherman
27 Jan-2004

Stationed at Lakehurst in 1956. Met some great people in the area. Have many fond memories of the Lakehurst-Toms River area.

From: Marie G. Johnson
21-Jan-2004

I recently received a photograph of the Los Angeles docked half in/out of a hanger at Lakehurst. Looked up history & saw your site. very interesting

From: Thomas Kuse
17 Jan-2004

I am from Germany the origin of the Hindenburg, I am fascinated by airships till my tenth birthday, whenever I will find the time and the money I will come and visit the memorial in Lakehurst.

Your website is very good, I love it. I greet everyone in the world who love airships.

From: Kenneth  
04-Jan-2004

I Love this site.