From John Brennen AGCS USNR-RET of PA on 30 July 2012

I attended AG 'A' school, Nov.65 to Apr.66

From Joseph Silver of AZ on 16 July 2012

I was stationed @Lakehurst pr school, 1962 a school & 1965 b school. Lived in mobile home in Toms River, division officer, Ray Bisbing, cpo Lunder, inst Po2 Hill. Both mr hill & mr Bisbing became my div officers @ NARF el centro, ca later in my naval service,

From Stephen Lauber of OH on 7 July 2012

I was stationed at Lakehurst 1968 thru 1970. Was in HC-4 and was a jet mechanic and rescue air crewman. Was detached to the USS Little Rock and also the USS Austin until it lost its stern gate then transfered to the USS Fort Snelling. Both these cruises were in the Med. Remember going to seaside heights to a place called Good Time Charlies and Weavers Bar in Lakehurst. Would love to here from any old guys in there with me.

From John M Flanagan of NJ on 3 July 2012

I was seperated from the U.S. Navy(and ZW-1)at Lakehurst in March of 1959. My rate was AT-2. I was trasferred to ZW- 1 from NAS Gtmo in October '58 with only 6 months left on my 4 year enlistment. I crew'd on the NAS Gtmo Albatros amphibian for 3 years. At Lakehurst I crew'd on a Nan ship maybe a dozen or so times, also on ZW-1's R4D on trips to Gtmo.

Unfortunately, the months I spent at Lakehurst were in winter. I still remember the intense cold while sitting on watch out on the mat while attached to the mast. The only time we got hot coffee at night was when, if there were high winds, a officer came (coffee jug in hand) to "fly" the blimp as she bumped around in nasty winds. Sometimes it was so cold that I'd get out of the gondola and stand in the jet blast of the APU to get warm. I knew several of the men who were later lost over Barnegat. As I recall reading, a man named Lanigan (whom I knew) was a survivor. I'm sorry to be one ex-Bluejacket who considers LTA duty to be not the best duty I ever had in the USN.

From Daniel of FL on 24 June 2012

I attended PR A school in 1979 nand my father attended Meteorology school there in the 40's. I would love to get my hands on a patch from the A school or a station patch from when it was trainibg base.

From Kirk MacGinnis of FL on 13 May 2012

I attended PR "A" school at Lakehurst in 1984. I was looking for some pictures and such.

From Jack Murphy of MI on 8 May 2012

I was stioned at lakehurst [HC 4 from 1966 to1969] after 6 mounths in the galy sent tad to amd avionks as an ae spent very many late nite watchis in hanger 3&4 the gosts I found out as one hit me were dam bats! I had a lot of good shipmates back then scoot casper, joe matures, ray Mc doulnald. would like to here from anyone from back then we all had good times at the em club and airbout, etc. O that test stand for the sh.2b jet engins was an ear spliter and the hellecopeters doing auto gryros next it drove me nuts.

From Mario Lenci of NJ on 6 May 2012

I was stationed at Naval Air Station, Lakehurst from 1955 to July 1957. Was attached to HU 2 Helicopter squadron. Like to make contact with others that may have been in said squardron at that time.

From Patricia McMaster Martin of USA on 4 May 2012

On this 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg I recall my father saying as he met someone new, "Shake the hand that shook the hand of a survivor of the Hindenburg." Yes, he was one of the sailors on the beach that day. It was the day after his 27th birthday. He saw himself in the video on the 40th and was pretty excited about that.

From Irvan Prodrick, Jr of NY on 31 march 2012

went to pr school in 1955 1956 made jump from school,fun never flew before my jump, was a great experance was 17 or 18 years old

From Tim Hudson of GA on 29 March 2012

I was assigned to HC-2 in 1970, volunteered for Det 67 (I was on a shore duty billet) in 72. After the shakedown to Gitmo, I was picked up by the squadrons new H-3 as the squadron was going all seaduty billets. I was transfered to HC-4 upon return to Lakehurst. Where I was ask to "cruise" for another shipmate, who's wife was due any day. During our cruise "Operation Springboard" our squadron designation was changed to HSL-30. Wow, three Squadrons in less than six months. Went on to the Air Force, and then to NASA where I retired. Great career,Navy and Lakehurst memories are my fondest.

From Bob Kellen of FL on 19 March 2012

Here are the names of the 10 skydivers that jumped out of a blimp (ZPG-2) on June 28, 1961, at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. These are presented in the order that appeared in the newspaper that covered the event, not in the order we exited the airship.

Anybody know where any of these guys are today?

1. 1st Lt. E. E. Bajer, Fort Dix
2. F. R. Ehrlich, SN, NATTU
3. D. R. Cox, SN, NATTU
4. Bob Kellen, SN, ZW-1
5. Lt. Cdr. Tom Pugh, ZW-1
6. 1st. Lt. R. H. Goetz, Fort Dix
7. Chuck Clifford, ADE3, ZW-1
8. Don Shoop, AEC, ZW-1
9. Chuck Seymour, PR1, NATTU
10. Ed Kruse, PR1, NATTU

From Mike Maione of NY on 4 March 2012

hi i went to pr school in 1959...from jan to march...then i went to saufley field in pensacola florida...do i still have friends out there>>>

From Bob Kellen of FL on 3 March 2012

Parachuted out of a blimp on 6-28-61 along with Ed Kruse and Chuck Seymour (see their postings). I was stationed at Lakehurst with blimp squadron ZW-1 during 1960-61. I made 60 sport parachute jumps with the Lakehurst Skydiving Club while I was there.

From Stephen Farabelli of USA on 20 Feb 2012

I was stationed at Marine Barracks Lakehurst from August 1971 through June 1972. Upon my return from Vietnam I chose Lakehurst duty because I am from Philadelphia, and it was a very close duty station. Enjoyed my time there, was honored to serve.

Leatherneck Magazine did an article in October 1971 about those of us at Marine Barracks.

I was hoping to find someone who might have the pics and article. Corporal Stephen J Farabelli USMC

From Roberta Winzinger of NJ on 19 Feb 2012

I once read the biography of Frank Capra, titled, "Frank Capra, the Name Above the Title". One of the ost interesting parts of the book was the story of his production of a movie called "DIRIGIBLE". I copied and pasted the following from a Google search:

Capra and Columbia considered Dirigible as a step forward into the big time, with a $650,000 budget, the highest amount the studio had ever invested.[2] Shot at Lakehurst, New Jersey at the hangar that would house the U.S. Navy and later the Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg. The Navy gave "its full resources at Lakehurst" including the pride of the fleet, the USS Los Angeles to lend an air of authenticity to the production.[3] The Los Angeles was featured prominently and also portrayed the fictional USS Pensacola. USN Lieutenant Commander Frank "Spig" Wead, a former pilot, was given the story credit and stayed on as a technical consultant.

As production began, the old Arcadia airfield was converted into a set, complete with "artificial snow, fake ice mounds and painted backdrop attached to the back side of the dilapidated Army barracks."[3] With principal photography slated for September, dry ice in metal containers stuffed in actor's mouths sufficed for the usual Arctic breath.

From Roberta Winzinger of NJ on 19 Feb 2012

I posted on here years ago, and come back now and again to read different memories people have of NAS Lakehurst. I was a Navy dependent. My dad, Bob Street, joined the Navy during WWII as a Seaman Recruit, and worked as an Aviation Mechanic. While he served with a LTA squadron in 1953, I was born at the base dispensary, a breach birth, delivered by a corpman, because the doctor had gone to dinner, and I couldn't wait for his return. We went to Akron, Ohio, where my dad was stationed for a year or so (I was 2-3 years old), where Goodyear was producing blimps for the Navy. We were in Newfoundland also,where he was commissioned a LTJG, and then back to Lakehurst where I attended Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. My dad was still with the blimps. He served with ZP-3. I remember going on a flight in a blimp once, overlooking the shoreline and boardwalk in Seaside Park. When the Navy did away with LTA, my dad went with helicopter squadrons HC-2 and HSL-30. He retired after his squadron moved to Norfolk, with 33 years under his belt as a sailor. The Navy was his life's passion. He passed away in 1982, but if anyone remembers my dad, please post a memory of him here. Thanks. I cherish his log books from WWII. He was a tail gunner. I also cherish a little book his men assembled for his retirement, titled "Famouse Quotes by Bob Street". One was, "Hey, did I ever tell you about the time we flew the blimp with the wobble pump?"

From Bob Schultz of VA on 18 Jan 2012

Just to follow up on James White's comment of a few years ago; I was in HC-2, 1968-70, UH-2A/B (Seasprite) Crewman & ADJ3 and well remember the noise generated by the Test cell; also stood night watches in the Hanger and there were many unexplained noises in the course of an evening. Any update on the whereabouts of the "Pelican Club" board, my name is on there for a rescue on the FDR (CVA-42) in 1970. Oh, and the Airship (lounge); spent many a night and too much money in there, remember Chief (Zippie) spent time in there; don't forget Eisenhowers, more class in that place. Keep up the good work.

From Ed Fitzpatrick of NJ on 8 Jan 2012

Attended Reserve Aviation Boot Camp in Nov 1967 in 2x6 Program. Assigned to NARTU, Hanger 6 ASW (S2's)Photo Graphic intel stryker.Assigned to NARDIV 751.

From: Edward M Haugh Jr on 29 Dec 2011

I was born at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in 1949. My father was stationed there as Navy pilot who trained in lighter than air aircraft in 1949. There is an article about him and his buddies in the August 19 1949 edition of the New York Times.

I visited NAS Lakehurst in the summer of 2010 with my Dad, shortly before he passed away.

Thanks for maintaining this site.

From Lou Villano of NC on 15 Dec 2011

I was stationed at Lakehurst in 1962 to 1963..unforchantly I was on liberty and got in a car accident, and never returned, my seebag was forwarded to me minus my pee coat, plus a few other things..I really was disapointed that the honor code did not apply..I was first attached to ZP3 for decommissing, then to the HU2, next to the crash crew..My chiefs name was Thornell..my best friend was al Weber..I have to say I loved it there..

From Johnny Signor of FL on 12 Dec 2011

Looking for color iamge of ZP-24,ZNP Hedron3,if you know of these please contact me , thank you very much !!!!!!!!!! Johnny WeBeEmblems@aol.com

From Donald Dingman of NE on 17 Nov 2011

I was stationed at Lakehurst from the fall of '68 to spring of '69 for Parachute Rigger A school. I was a mess cook for a month before starting the school and duty driver during. I really enjoyed the night watches around the hangar in winter. I remember the "ghosts" that used to tease the inside watches every now and then. this was my first duty station. From there I went to NAS Brunswick and U.S.S. Tripoli after that. Never did jump at school but ended up being a USPA instructor for two years after getting out.

From Daniel Perkins of NE on 24 Oct 2011

Nice site!! I was stationed with HC-4 from APR/MAY65 till about FEB66 as a PNSN/3. Spent the summer of 1965 "moonlighting" at Poor Pete's Pizza Stand at the south end of the boardwalk in Seaside Hieghts. Would be great to locate YNC William Fair (admin chief) and YNSN Joseph Magistro who were there at the same time I was.

From Steven Allen of IL on 21 Oct 2011

I ATTENED ABE "A" SCHOOL IN 1985, ABE "C" SCHOOL IN 1996 AND ALRE MAINTENACE TECH SCOOL IN 1999 AT LAKEHURST IN HANGER ONE I HAD A BALL EACH TIME.

From Duane Lee of CA on 16 Oct 2011

I was born at Lakehurst in 1943. My Dad was an Airship Rigger, later a Chief Photographers Mate.-- V.W.Lee. He was the pitcher on the ball team in 45,46,47 and a great bowler. He flew a lot of anti-sub patrols, some clear down to Brazil. We lived on the base across the street from the swamp...ha... remembering the DDT Truck everyday. Dad Retired in 1961 the same year I joined the USAF. Dad lived a great life until 2000 at the age of 86. My best to you all........Lee

From John C Fromlak of PA on 30 Sep 2011

I was an AE2 stationed there from Nov 1972 - Nov 1975. Worked in both AIMA and West Field

From George Estock of MS on 18 Sep 2011

I reported to ZP-2 in 1949 as an AL3. assigned as a flight crew member.Ln 1951, transferred to weeksville to ZP-4.Later, transferred back to Lakehurst aad part of the commissioning crew of ZW1. Tom McLaughlin andI flew all the operatioal evaluation flighs, evaluating the new height finding radar. Later, went to Electronics B School and promoted to Chief Petty Officer and was selectred for OCS where I was commissioned as a General Line Ooficer. I will never forget the int5erestin and excitingt times flying in Blimpss.

From Donald Longfield (ARM/3) of MI on 3 Sep 2011

I was an ARM/3 in ZP-1 1947 -1948 when the squadron moved from Santa Anna, CA to Weeksville,NC. All six airships had to ride out a hurricane in the air because the hangers were full of navy aircraft! We all learned the word airsick!! My wife and I flew up the outer-banks, visiting Kitty Hawk and Weeksville in our own aircraft in 1976.

From Jerry Riley of GA on 31 Aug 2011

crash fire/rescue nas moffett field 1962 - 63

From Reggire Scott of NH on 14 Aug 2011

Have anything on HU-4 Was stationed there in the 60's

From Johnny of FL on 8 Aug 2011

I think the Airships didn't get the proper recognition they deserve for thier services in WW-2 , thye got some enemy sub kills , and although thier records weren't in high numbers they were still and important part of the war effort , My thanks to all the flight crews and ground crews for what you all did inserviec to our great nation during WW-2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone looking for nice "Leather" Airship unit patches , contact me , I make them as well as USAAF/USN/USMC Squadron and Group patches on leather . Johnny

From Timothy A Barry of USA on 21 Jul 2011

My father served two tours at Lakehurst, 1 during WWII working on the blimps as an AMS 1st Class. His Name was LLoyd Patrick Barry. He was called back to Lakehurst during the Korean Conflick.

From William Fitzpatrick of WY on 16 Jul 2011

Great website. Keep it going! I saw the post dated 29 Sept 2009 from William Offenhauser. FYI he was the Navy's first PRCM, made mega jumps, is a great American and will always be a "PR" legend. I went through PR"A" school in 1968 and retired in 1993 as a PRCM.

From James A Bermner of WA on 10 Jul 2011

I was stationed at Lakehurst from May '58 to April '59. I was TAD to the Photo Lab from ZP-3. I really enjoyed my tour and found the crew at the Photo Lab to be a group of highly motivated sailors. I was getting out of the Navy on one of those Early Out programs. I don't know why it didn't happen but the Early Out never took place. Only the married personnel got released, since they had their household goods all packed. Some time during the next 2 months I decided to reenlist; That was over 55 years ago, and I remember it like it happened yesterday. I retired in '73 and never regretted a single day.

From George Doughty of TX on 26 Jun 2011

asigned to Radio/Radar Tech LAb, '46remember rear adm Rosendahl and K-shipping over unhappy chicken farmers on the way to sea, and a restaurant in Wannamassa w/ an organist ...and parachute riggers on crutchs following their grad jump...come visit the Frontiers Of Flight Museum @ Love Field, Dallas...

From Rod Grodt of NC on 21 Jun 2011

I was stationed with HU-4 (became HC-4) from 1964-66. I worked in the tech library. I transferred from VW-13 in Argentia, Newfoundland, where things were a lot "looser" as far as uniforms. First day at Lakehurst, heading for the chow hall, I was written up for about 10 uniform violations. It was a school command and things were tougher. Loved the base. Seaside and Point Pleasant in the 1960s were a whole lot different than they are now. Visited NAS Lakehurst in the mid-90s with my son, a submariner, and was stunned that nothing looked the same.

From Darrell (Eli) Averett of TX on 15 Jun 2011

Stationed at Lakehurst 1971 & 72 HC-4 Then HSL30 Then transfered to Norfolk Virgina in 1972 with HSL30. I was on the first lanps detachment. Everyone called me Eli. Looking for shipmates, Sam Smith, Randy Groff and more

From William E Fields of IN on 5 May 2011

I graduated from the school on Feb. 27 1948. It was a real good experience for me. Especially the jump after graduation. They are having a reunion for all parachute riggers in Vegas this year. It would be fun to go if I could remember some of the old parachute riggers names. Sounds like fun.

From Irvan Prodrick of NY on 2 May 2011

just found this site made jump august 22 1954 as you said it was awonderfull exp for 17 year old,left school and went barbers point naval air sta left navy@pr3 naval air training center beeville texas.does any one know if their any clothing or other things or infomation about lakehurst?

From Norval (Butch) Nelson of IL on 23 Apr 2011

I was Station at NAS Lakehurst From 1965 to 1967 HC-4 Det. on the USCG Edisto summer of 1966 then again the Fall of 1966 Det. Pocono. med cruise in 1967..

From Donald F Ridlon (AQCS) R of USA on 10 Apr 2011

Was stationed at NAT&D Squadron from 4/54/to 4/56 as an AD3 & 2. Was mechanic for the K Ships, M Ship, & N Ship. Flew as flight engineer for the M Ship.

From Oscar Booth of MO on 28 Mar 2011

I was in Stationed at Lakehurst NAS In 1955/56. I was wondering if someone remembered the Nan ship that crashed in to a farmers field and we had to cut it up.

From James M White ADC USN (Ret) of CA on 26 Mar 2011

I found your website by accident. Another shipmate forwarded it to me. I became a Airship buff after being stationed there. I was a ADR3 stationed at Lakehurst in HC- 2 1969 working in AIMD. Our portable test cell was behind hanger 2. I worked in both hanger 2 and 3. Stood fire watches in hanger 1. That hanger was the most noisy place at night, scary as you cannot belive. Heard the Ghost rumors never saw any. Still have a 58 Chevy convert I bought from a deploying shipmate there, belive I paid only 1500.00 for it, been offered ten times what I paid for it. (But its been through 3 overhauls like me, now rolling 300,000 miles) Left Lakehurst and actually returned for a Test cell conference in 1985. The building where the conference was, sits in what was HC-2's former parking lot. Used to be a check crew hanger there where the UH-2s from dets underwent full checks before deployment. I retired in 1986 as an ADC. Now work in AEROSPACE teaching APU's around the world. I'm one of the few who does almost the same as when I was on active duty. Except now I teach the APU on the A380, little bit bigger than what I worked on in HC-2 the GE T58's. Excellent website brought back many memories. I remember railroad tracks on the east side of hanger one. Someone told me that Airship passangers arrived by railcars. Is that right or was I fed a line. Fair winds and full sails guys, keep up the good work. I've only seen a couple comments on the AIRSHIP Lounge, one of my favorite hangouts.

From Doug Wagner of MN on 23 Mar 2011

I attended AG "A" school in 68.

From Gerard A Scalzo of FL on 10 Mar 2011 

I went to NATTC Lakehurst Parachute School-Class # 744 and graduated in February 1968. I'm looking for a graduation photo of my class(#744) If anyone can find one, please e- mail it to me @ Strek11701@aol.com. Thank You...

on 18 Mar 2011
Went to Parachute school, back in 1967... would love to get a class photo for memories...If anyone can hook me up, let me know... I graduated feb. 17, 1968.. I think class # 744..(?)...

From Bill Grant AM3 of NV on 8 Mar 2011    

Served with ZW1 from Spring 58 to June 59. Was the best duty place ever. Loved it. Loved Jersey.

From Larry Skrine of MI on 28 Feb 2011

Served in HC-2 in 1968-1969 as an ADJ1

From David Nobles of TX on 28 Feb 2011

Served 1963 to 1967 AE, Air Crewman, Lived in Town and on base housing. Had some great cruises and long lasting memories. Last trip was on the Westwind in 67. In 2008 while in NJ at a campground ran into the ex owner of the Air Ship Traven and his wife, had a great time talking about days past. Visited Lakehurst but could not go on base.Can't remember all the ships I served on, that was a long time ago. If one of my shipmates remembers please e- mail.....David Nobles San Leon, Texas

From Dick Peterson of MA on 16 Feb 2011

I served at south weymouth naval air station all of 55 and half of 56 with the ZPG-2 blimp outfit. That was after serving 2&1/2 years aboard the USS YORKTOWN(carrier). Sure glad i found this site.

From John D Wheeler of FL on 7 Feb 2011

I am 91 years old. I received my navy wings and Ensign commission at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. My wings and commission were handed to each of us personally by Radm Rosendahl on December 7, 1943.I was assigned to Blimp Squadron ZP-42 based in Santa Cruz, Brazil, home of the German Graf Zepplin hangar, the only hangar in use by our L-T-A squadrons south of Homestead, Florida. Our primary missions were convoy escort and anti-submarine patrols from 300 miles south of Rio harbor northward the entire coastline of Brazil, Dutch, British, and French Guiana using the French Devil's Island as a navigational reckoning point. Officer pilots aboard the K-110 were Mac McKenzie, Eugene Gilliam, Robert Thomas, and myself, John Wheeler. We had six enlisted specialists aboard as crewmembers.I ended up at ZP-31 at Santa Ana, Calif.

From Jim "Fuzzy" Furlong of NJ on 3 Feb 2011

Re: The post of Charlie Martillotta of 12 August 2010.

I served with Charlie in HU-2 from 1962 - 1964 and like him spent most of my time at sea Det. 62 on the USS Independence. The little bit of time we did have at NAS Lakehust was spent at Seaside Park chasing girls. One fond memory is with Charlie and three other ship mates jaming in to my little Renault and heading for a weekend at his parents home in N.Y. state.

The other is that I met my wife at Sea Side Park.

A lot of great guys and great times. I plan to come up and visit the NAS Lakehurst history museum very soon.

From Edward Asselin of FL on 16 Jan 2011

Went to AG A School at Lakehursr 1959 returned twice for additional weather schools. The Airships were still active when first stationed there.Always remember being left off at main gate in dead of winter and having to walk back to barracks, a desolate stretch of landscape. Nice site, brings back fond memories.

From Bobby Sluder of CA on 3 Jan 2011

Started my stint in the Navy at NAS Lakehurst in 1968. Had my bride of 2 weeks with me. Just a couple of young kids far from home (Redding,Calif). Lived in Lakewood, NJ. while attending ABH A-School. Margie and I are still married (42 yrs) and came to Manasquan for Christmas and New Years with my oldest son and wife but mostly with the 2 grandchildren! Wish I had known about the tours sooner! Will definitely put on top off bucket list for next trip! Love to hear from any classmates. God Bless America and all of her servicemen and women.