From: Jessica of USA   
03 Dec 2008

Had a great time perusing your site. Thank you!

From: Jeff Cargian of NY  
20 Nov 2008

Came across 2 8X10 photo's. One of Colonel Lindberg 1930 "taken at Lake Hurst N.J." It's a nice clear head shot of him in a plane. The second of the Los Angeles but not sure where. This is not one that you have in your albums as there are trees covering part of it. The photo's also say "brought up by Shorty" but we have no idea who Shorty is. Do you have a crew list? Thanks for any help.

From: Darcy Hoff of TX
26 Nov 2008

Thanx for having such a nice site. Hope i can find more info on my Opa, Emil Hoff. Keep up the good work. I hope to visit one day.

From: Kenneth Greene of FL  
20 Nov 2008

I started PR A school in January of 1968 at Lakehurst. Being from Florida, I thought I would freeze to death until my folks sent me some long underwear. Great memories of school and trips to New York. A buddy amd I hichhiked to Atlantic in the dead of winter. Needless to say it was deserted when we arrived. From Lakehurst to Barber's Point Hawaii (VC-1) for two years, one Med cruise with HS-2 (Imperial Beach California) and the out of the Navy. I have shared those experiences with my kids and grandkids many times.

From: Pete Smith of NY
17 Nov 2008

I was stationed at Lakehurst from 1958 to 1961. I was attached to HU2 squadron.I was an AMH 3rd. class petty officer and a rescue crewman.I was TAD to the USS TACONIC,the USS INDEPENDENCE, and the USS INTREPID.

From: ALta L. Schmidt of VA  
12 Nov 2008

I am the Granddaughter of Lt. E.W. Sheppard who died on the Shenadoah and my father also E.W. Sheppard is fightihg with cancer right now. I would love to learn as much as I can about Mr. Sheppard and the Shenadoah before my father goes and hope this website can help me. I also married a Peter Schmidt who father Wesley ship flew blimps so I am very familar with Lakehurst.

From: John Morrison of Prince Edward Island  
11 Nov 2008

In 1937 I was 4 years old and living then in Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada. My older brother Scott (aged 8 at the time) and I remember seeing the Hindenberg overhead as the great airship was making its way to Lakehurst, New Jersey. We saw part of history in the making !

From: Charles Coonfield of OR  
8 Nov 2008

I was stationed at Lakehurst from 73-74 was married at the AirShip Chapel and would love to come back and see the Air Station and do the tour some day.

I would also like to hear from anyone I was stationed with at NAS in 1973 ans 1974.

From: George Maxfield of WA
6 Nov 2008

Wonderfull site, glad I found it.

From: Jan Cayot of USA   
15 Oct 2008

I have an old photograph of the first "Akron" according to Jürgen Bleibler. "This is a wonderful photo of the American semi rigid airship “Akron”. Melvin Vaniman, a well known American photographer, persuaded the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron / Ohio to finance the ship. It was named “Akron” and was completed in autumn 1911 and made a short trial flight in the first week of November. Than the “Akron” was laid up for the winter break and some modifications were made, especially to the auxiliary equipment. In summer 1912 Vaniman made some demonstration flights and tests. On 2 of July 1912 the “Akron” left Atlantic City with Vaniman and three other crew members and headed out to sea. Fifteen minutes later the envelope exploded and the airship crashed into sea killing all four men on board. The cause was never established, probably there was a problem with a new type of valves."

Hope this information will be helpful for you. Kind regards Jürgen Bleibler Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen GmbH

How can I send this photo to you? Jan Cayot Curator

From: Rick Musselman
7 Oct 2008

I served in HC-4 at hanger 1 at NAS Lakehurst, 1968-1969. Rick musselman ADJ-1.

From: Cliff Wolff of VA
19 Sep 2008

Nice site. There is much to be learned about Navy Airships here. Brazo Zulu

From: Bob Freudenberg of NC
13 Sep 2008

My dad, Bill Freudenberg, was a member of the ZPG3W crew in 1960. He would normally have been one of the two sailors in the electronics dome of the blimp, but luckily was not on- board the day that it crashed on July 6, 1960. He is currently living in Long Island and can be reached via e-mail: pops@freudenbergfamily.com

From: Linda Carroll Francis of GA
09 Sep 2008

I would like to add to what my husband, P Bailey Francis, said. My sister and I were both born at the hospital at Lakehurst, in 1943 and 1946, repectively. I am proud that my Dad, John F Carroll, was a Navy aviator, and I am also proud to have been born at Lakehurst.

From: Bailey Francis of GA   
09 Sep 2008

My wife's father was John Francis "Jack" Carroll. He and his best friend, Joseph "Joe" Bartolf, were classmates and members of the football team at Columbia University in NY. They graduated in 1940. He and Joe Bartolf were in the Navy stationed at Lakehurst. According to his Naval Personnel file, Jack Carroll was commissioned as an Aviation Cadet 2 March 1942 and an Ensign 14 Jul 1942. He flew blimps out of Lakehurst. He and his unit were sent to Italy during WW II. He rose to the temporary rank of LCDR. He left active duty in January 1946 and remained in the reserves for several years. My wife has a photograph of Jack Carroll and Joe Bartolf in Italy as well as an informal photograph of a group of Naval personnel, probably during WW II. My wife would enjoy hearing from anyone who might have known them and/or served with them.

From: Tony Costa of NJ   
29 Aug 2008

PR school, graduated oct 64, then to KBay 64-66 and ended up at cherry pt . i remember the august runs b4 our jump. USMC 63-67

From: Robert Buche of SD  
13 Aug 2008

I was stationed at Lakehurst from Feb '42 until Sept '43 acting as a flight instructor. After that I was stationed at Moffet Field until the traing command ended and then to Zp 31 at Santa Anna until Oct of '45. If anyone remembers serving with me I would enjoy hearing from you. Robert Buche at rbuche3970@aol.com

From: Rick Musselman of PA  
9 Aug 2008

I spent 12 plus years in the US Navy,I was ADJ-1 when I was dicharged in 1973.

I was transferred to N.A.S. Lakehurst in January 1969, attached to HC-4 at hanger 1. I was trained in air rescue,just as I was about to receive my A/C wings I was transferred to Attack Squadron 34 an A-6 Intruder squadron at N.A.S.Oceana headed back to Vietnam again.

I can remember clouds forming the hanger to to its height the hanger, it was a great experience, I loved the base and the history of it all. Rick Musselman, Millville, PA

From: Gina of USA  
9 Aug 2008

i love this site and i would love to be part of it

From: Kim Mabee of NY   
29 Jul 2008

I found this site when looking for a place that might be interested in a photo and canceled envelope, from the last navy airship, in July of 1962. My mother brought us kids there to see it, when our dad was stationed out of Lakehurst. We, our family, are now donating them. My dad also said, as he was born and raised in that area, that he had gone with one of his fireman uncles, to help at the crash site of the Hindenberg, as a youngster.

From: Ronald B. Nehring of USA  
28 Jul 2008

Have just found this site, and looking anyone that was stationed at ZP2 Glynco GA between 1956 and 1959. Thanks for any help "hound"

From: Eugene Uhrig of OK  
28 Jul 2008

I was living on Staten Is. N.Y. at the time of the crash. It was my brother's birthday, and we had gone over to New Jersey just to ride around. When my father heard on the radio that the Hindenberg was going to land at Lakehurst, we decided to go over there to see it. We were outside the chain link fence surrounding the air station when the Hindenberg came over, and we watched it fly over and then come around to land. We couldn't believe it when we saw the flames. It looke like a light goin back from the side of the ship, and then the whole thing was on fire and I saw people dropping off it to the ground before it finally settled on the ground in a big ball of flames. Even where we were outside the fence, we could feel the heat coming from it. I can never get the picture out of my mind, even though I was only twelve at the time.

From: Mel Meter of AZ
24 Jul 2008

i wasa Marine stationed at NAS lakehurst at the PR school from august '77-dec '77. lived in C barracks. had a great time at the sea breeze and doing PLF's out behind the packing deck every day. remember having to field day Casey Hall after the doggies moved out. played alot of soccer for PT. like to hear from others in my class, squids too.

From: Michael von Plato of PA  
24 Jul 2008

In Aug. 1961 I joined the Navy to see the world, as per advertisement, and after boot camp at Great Lakes, I was sent to AG school at NEL (NAS Lakehurst) and after school was stationed at Ops, at hangar three. For years I tried to get transfers to places like Spain or Japan, but no go. And the closest I ever got to a military vessel was when I saw a Coast Guard cutter off the Atlantic City boardwalk. They kept me at Lakehurst until I got out, Aug. 25, 1965. So much for advertisements. I remember David Dietz. I believe he caused crashes so that he would have something to do. I still keep in touch with Steve Hummel, AC.

From: Ben Walters of UK
23 Jul 2008

I love history and wish to visit NJ soon! Thanks for a great site!!

From: Lisa Anne Pipes Keele Spann of LA
21 Jul 2008

My father, Ensign Robert (Neb) Hough Pipes of Calhoun, Louisiana, a member of the ZPG3W crew, was killed on 07-06-1960, 2:29 p.m. at Barnigat Light/Bay. The destroyers McGown and Essex, and USS Salvager searched in vain for survivors. Four crew members survived, but one died soon afterwards. Most of the men had young children or children on the way (like me). Neb and Mary were only married 4 months when he was killed in the accident. His body was not recovered. The wife of Richard V. Hall, Sharon, was a good friend to my mother, and she would like to hear from her. I did not have the honor to meet my father, but I am proud he served our country. I would like to extend my gratitude and prayers to those who served with him, and my prayers to the surviving family members. I would also like to hear from the children of the survivors of the crash.

From: Jack McKinney of OH   
13 Jul 2008

I stumbled across this website by accident and found it most interesting. My wife' aunt Elizabeth Sullifan was married to Fred "Bull" Tobin who served aboard the Shenandoah and the Los Angeles. He was also the docking chief when the Hindenburg caught fire. He often spoke of those events when they visited us in Akron, Ohio. We have some photos of him and other navy people from Lakehurst. We also have a large wooden footlocker of his that has thick rope handles. Would be interested in hearing from anyone who knew anything about him.

From: Julia Antrim Laylon of MD  
11 Jul 2008

I was five years old when the Hindenburg disaster occured. Our family lived across the street from the air field. My Dad, a Naval Officer was on the Mast waiting to tie up the Hindenburg when it landed -- I was sitting at the window in our home waiting and watching the Hindenburg fly over the field. I do not remember the actual explosion, but I do remember the sirens that seemed to go on and on that evening. My Dad was going to fly to Germany on the Hindenburg, but of course that never happened.

From:Tim Jetter of AZ  
8 Jul 2008

My Mother toured the Hindenburg in May of 1936 with her boyfriend and Mother. I have a ticket signed by her (she was 18 and very pretty at the time), Commander Rosendahl, and the Ship's officer of the watch that day, Harold Dick. This past year I was able to find the biographies of these two important men in the history of airship aviation on the internet. I have really enjoyed this website and learning more about Lakehurst and all of you who served there. Thanks for your service.

From: George Taragna of FL  
7 Jul 2008

I check in on this site every so often hoping to find some old buddy from the past.

From Robert J Setting of DE
02 Jul 2008

Hey there my name is Rob Setting (ABE-3) I was stationed at NATTC Lakehurst from 1985 to 1989. I worked for ABCM Richard S. Pacana. He was the best damn boss I ever had! Hands down. To answer your question Heidi, about finding out who graduated from the base in 1986. Someone in Naval personnel would have that info, but it cant imagine it was public. Who is it that you are looking for? I was a mail PO for the AB school at the time and had a lot of friends there. You can contact me @ rjsetting1965@yahoo.com

From: Bob Schnieders of MO
30 Jun 2008

AG A school 1977 I'm look for online photos of AG,PR School,barracks etc..........all i ever see is hanger1

From: Ethel Nepveux of SC
23 Jun 2008

My father took the first aerial pictures in Georgetown, SC. In 1921 he took one of my mother and three other people in the gondola of the US Navy blimp that was visiting in Georgetown. My mother died the next year four days after I was born and the picture has been with some of her things. The picture of the blimp was used in the newspaper and my niece has an original copy. I would like to find out more and share information. Sincerely, Ethel Nepveux

From: James E Moyer of PA   
15 Jun 2008

I was stationed at Lakehurst from 1958-1959 with NARTU.

From: David Purdie of NC  
12 Jun 2008

Hello, My Grandfather flew on the Hindenburg and the story is he had a chance to meet Hitler but refused. I have 2 pictures in my office dated 7/14/36. Just thought I would share that with you. I did my high school senior project on the Hindenburg and presented it to our class. I made a book of all artifacts my Granddaddy had. Programs, menus, napkins, fork and knife. neat stuff. Please be on the look out for this white album if you would. My mother let another family member borrow it and it has not been returned and no one knows where it is. Thanks, David Boyce Purdie

From: Heidi Carrero of NJ
18 May 2008

I'm looking for a past graduate of Lakehurst Naval Base. He would have graduated in September of 1986, does anyone know how I can find this information out? Thanks!

From: Henry Troger of NJ 
16 May 2008

I enlisted in the Navy Reserve while attending Admiral Farragut Academy. I signed up when I turned 17 and served in the reserves at Lakehurst for four years and logged many flight hours n K ships.

From: Jill Randall of TX 
15 May 2008

My father just pased away and we are finding out alot about him that we did not know. His name was Gary Burgess from Bristow Oklahoma. He was in the Navy from around 1957 to 1963. He attended Annapolis for about 2 years but also flew reconosens as a tech and jump nfrom blimps. Anyone who may be able to help my family learn more please do! your help would be gtreat! Garys Daughter Jill

From: John Glasgow of AZ
14 May 2008

Am probably one of the few to post here that was stationed at NATTC, NAS, Lakehurst who was not in Aviation. I was a Senior Chief Personnelman in charge of the Personnel Office. My family lived on Pine Street in Lakehurst. I spent a lot of time at the CPO Club. After retiring from the Navy in November 1969, I managed the CPO Package Store until our move to Ohio in 1970. Knew most of the Instructors at all the Aviation Schools. I remember when I retired, the base put "Farewell Senior Chief Glasgow" on the sign as you entered the main gate. Was great duty.

From: Bob Schultz of VA
01 May 2008

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst, attached to HC-2, from 1968-70. Fond memories of the Airship Lounge and George's in Toms River. I an Aviation Machinist Mate and aircrew in UH-2As,Bs. Our detachment(Det 42)made a Med cruise on the F.D.R, CVA-42 (Rusty Rosie); we left NAS Mayport, FL on 2 January and returned in July 1970. Thanks for the website!

From: James F Vincent of NJ  
28 Apr 2008

I was assigned to NAS Lakehurst in January of 1951, right out of boot camp. I was attached to the 1st Division, working out of Hangar No.1 and also had other Airships moored in hangars Three and Four, (as I recall.) We flew and serviced the smallest, "L" ships also known as "Bags", "K" ships, "Mike" ships, "Nan" ship which had accommidations up inside the interior of the "Bag" and also "Helium Free Flight Balloons". We were barracked in the Main Building which was also the Mess Hall and Master-At-Arms facility. I'll try to think of other "Stuff" later if you'd like,.....Jim V.

From Brian Cartmell of CA  
17 Mar 2008

My Dad flew blimps in Weeksville and Key West

From: George Estock of MS  
28 Feb 2008

I reported aboard ZP-2 in 1949 as an Aviation Radioman third Class. I flew in the K ships as a crewman until 1951, whe4n I was transferred to ZP-4 in Elezabeth City North Carolina. After a tour in Pensacola Florida, I returned to Lakehurst to be part of the commissioning crew of ZW-1. Tom McLaughlin and I flew in the first ZPG-2W ship, evaluating the new search and height finding radars. After OpEvals were completed I flew as lead flight technician. After B School and OCS, I was out of Lighter than Air forever, but I still have fond memories of it. I lived in Herndon Park, and my oldest son was born in the Lakehurst Dispensary.

From: Tim Holt of CA  
22 Feb 2008

My Father was a civilian machinist working in Hangar 1 during WWII and after. I visited the base weekly as a kid. I have a 1953 NAS yearbook if anyone would like to purchase it from me. . timholt@sonic.net

From: John Neal of CA  
19 Feb 2008

I was born on the Base in Lakehurst New Jersey, May 6 1954. My Grandfather, Patrick Dowling ( Boatsman mate)was working under the Hindenburg when it caught fire.A birthday doesn't go by that I think of my Grandfather and the tragedy that occurred that day. My Grandfather did survive, and my Cousins,Brother and Sister, Mother, Aunts and Uncles, some were present, still talk about what had happened that day.

From Bob Potts (Potoczniak) of OH  
10 Feb 2008

Am trying to locate Massey (first name not recalled) an AE1 and a Richard Brown ,AT2 both of whom were in ZP-3 around 1950-51. I served with them in VR-24 in Port Lyautey. Massey ended up in VR-25, Blackbush, London, in '52. Any help would be appreciated. Bob Potts bobpotts@roadrunner.com

From: Robert Blauth of NJ  
10 Feb 2008

I was assigned to Lakehurst ZW-1 1958-1959. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone in my squad at that time. Thank this site is great!!

From: Harold R Wandle of OR   
24 Jan 2008

i was statinoed at the rigger school from 1960 to 1965. during my tour i was in charge of the sport program. i also worked in the mess hall. maybe ther is someone left from school. i am 79 years old. i woul appreciated hearing from anyone. thank you

From: Gregory Glod of MD   
20 Jan 2008

My father, Stanley Arthur Glod first assignment was 1940 at the Navy was at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. After the attack on Pear Harbor he was immediatly sent to the Pacific where he sereved on the USS Mississippi and the USS Rockey Mount and was decorated for his action at Siapan, Borneo, Guam, Marianas Strait, Lettye Gulf and the Philippine Sea to name a few.

After the War he severved in the 6th fleet in the Med. His last assignment of his 20 year career was at Lakehurst where he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1958. He was well known for ability in Golf winning many tournaments playing out of the Lakehurst Golf Course, winning many amateur tournaments in the USA, Europe, and the Pacific during the late 40's through the 60's.

I was born in Toms River during my Father's last assignment in Lakehurst. My mother and father had many fond memories of Lakehurst anf Toms River. I brought them back after nearly 40 years since they had last left in 1958, it eas a very memorable day for both of them.

Thank you all for your efforts maintaining the history of Naval Air Station and it's contribution to our Nation.

From: Harold R Wandle of OR   
08 Jan 2008

i served in the army for 30 years. i also served and retired from civil service for 16 years. during my army carrer i was stationed at fortlee qm rigger school for five years . 1960 to 1965. i was in the occupation of japan in 1951. i was with the 25th inf div in 1966 to 1967. i hope that someone will see my comments and send me an e-mail. i am getting older every day now i am 79. thank you msg harold r. wandle ret