About this Unit
Lakehurst Naval Air Base, established in 1921 in New Jersey, quickly became a pivotal center for U.S. Navy lighter-than-air operations. The base gained historical significance as the site of the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, highlighting the end of the airship era. During World War II, Lakehurst played a vital role in anti-submarine patrols and the training of airship crews. In the postwar years, it continued to support naval aviation research, particularly in launching and recovery systems for aircraft carriers. Today, it is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, supporting a variety of military operations and training missions.
Historical Facts
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Home of the Hindenburg Disaster (1937): Lakehurst Naval Air Station is perhaps most famous as the site of the Hindenburg disaster, when the German airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire while attempting to dock, resulting in 36 fatalities and marking the end of the airship era.
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Established in 1921: The base was commissioned in 1921 as the Naval Air Station Lakehurst, serving as the U.S. Navy’s center for airship operations.
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Largest Hangar in the World: Hangar One at Lakehurst is one of the largest freestanding structures in the world, measuring 966 feet long, 350 feet wide, and 224 feet high, capable of housing multiple airships.
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Birthplace of the U.S. Navy’s Airship Program: Lakehurst was the main operating base for U.S. Navy rigid airships such as the USS Shenandoah, USS Los Angeles, USS Akron, and USS Macon.
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Aircraft Carrier Testing: The base played a crucial role in the development and testing of aircraft launch and recovery systems for aircraft carriers, including the first use of catapults and arresting gear.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Lakehurst supported anti-submarine warfare efforts, hosting blimps and lighter-than-air craft patrolling the Atlantic coast.
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Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: In 2009, Lakehurst merged with McGuire Air Force Base and Fort Dix Army Base to form Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the largest military installations in the U.S.
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Historic Landmark Status: The Hindenburg crash site and Hangar One are both designated National Historic Landmarks due to their significance in American aviation history.
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Advanced Technology Testing: Lakehurst continues to be a center for naval aviation technology, including electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear for next-generation carriers.
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Presidential Visits: Over the decades, Lakehurst has hosted visits from several U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries, highlighting its importance in military and aviation history.
