Moffett Field California

• Origins as a Naval Air Station: Moffett Field was commissioned in 1933 as Naval Air Station (NAS) Sunnyvale, later renamed to honor Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, a pioneer of naval aviation. • Home of the USS Macon: The base was built specifically to serve as the home for the USS Macon (ZRS-5), a massive U.S. Navy rigid airship, and its iconic Hangar One was constructed to house it. • Hangar One - Engineering Marvel: Hangar One, completed in 1933, is one of the world’s largest freestanding structures, measuring 1,133 feet long, 308 feet wide, and 198 feet tall, with a footprint of 8 acres. • World War II Patrols: During World War II, Moffett Field became a center for anti-submarine blimp operations, playing a vital role in protecting the West Coast from enemy submarines. • NASA Ames Research Center: In 1947, the U.S. Navy transferred much of Moffett Field to the Army, but in 1959, NASA took over a large portion, establishing the Ames Research Center for advanced aerospace research. • Cold War P-3 Orions: Moffett Field served as a major base for P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft during the Cold War, housing several anti-submarine squadrons. • Presidential Visits: Moffett Field has hosted several U.S. Presidents, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Ronald Reagan, due to its strategic location and facilities. • Silicon Valley Connection: Located at the heart of Silicon Valley, Moffett Field has been pivotal in fostering collaborations between the military, NASA, and the high-tech industry. • Decommissioning and Transition: The base was officially closed as a military installation in 1994, but it remains active today as a NASA research facility, federal airfield, and home to various organizations. • Historic Landmark Status: Hangar One and Moffett Field’s historic district are recognized as California Historical Landmarks and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.