NAS Moffett Field

• Historic Beginnings (1931): NAS Moffett Field was commissioned on April 12, 1933, originally intended as a base for the U.S. Navy’s airship program, including the famous USS Macon (ZRS-5). • Hangar One: The iconic Hangar One, completed in 1933, is one of the world’s largest freestanding structures, covering 8 acres and is visible from miles away. • USS Macon Tragedy: The USS Macon, one of only two U.S. Navy rigid airships, was based at Moffett Field and crashed off the California coast in 1935, ending the Navy’s airship era. • World War II Operations: During World War II, Moffett Field was heavily used for anti-submarine blimp and patrol plane operations along the Pacific Coast. • Transition to Jet Age: Post-WWII, the base transitioned to support jet aircraft and became home to Navy patrol squadrons flying P-2 Neptunes and later P-3 Orions. • Astronaut Training: NASA Ames Research Center, established adjacent to Moffett Field in 1939, helped train astronauts for space missions, especially during the Apollo era. • Cold War Role: The base played a strategic role during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet submarines and supporting Pacific Fleet operations. • Closure as Military Base (1994): NAS Moffett Field officially closed as a Navy base in 1994, with operations transferred to NASA, though some military activities continue. • Presidential Visits: The airfield has hosted several U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries, including Air Force One landings. • Modern Use and Preservation: Today, the site is managed by NASA and is home to research, technology, and museum activities, with Hangar One being a focus of preservation efforts and Silicon Valley innovation.