From: Jody McAllister of PA   
31 Dec 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst attending PR "A" school the spring / summer of 1970. I remember many good times there especially the parachute jump we made toward the end of training. I can see in my mind's eye the Atlantic Ocean, the amusements at Seaside Heights as I gently decended back to earth. That was an experience that I will never forget. One memory of a shipmate was a guy from New York who drove our trainers crazy with his "What's the scoop" comment whenever he saw them. Thanks for the opportunity this website gave me to remember the past.

From: Jody Randleman of CA    
28 Dec 2009

Loved the site very informational. I remember my grandmother and mother remembering the tragedy.

From: Julian R Hycner of VA    
16 Dec 2009

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst, NJ in squadron HU-4 from June, 1961 to July, 1964. This was the greatest place for me since I met my wife there in 1963. After I made ADR3 (E4) and became a plane captain on the CH19E (HRS)helacopter I made four cruises on the following ships: USS Newport news (CA-148), USS Pocono (AGC 16), USS Taconic (AGC 17),, and Uss Northampton. I was TAD at USNAS Key West Florida when President Kennedy was shot.

From: Bob Little of NJ  
14 Dec 2009

My brother Keith Little and I took the tour on Saturday, 12 December 2009, it was very informative. Don Adams and Nick really know their airship history.

Our Grandfather, Frederich Evans, worked in Hangar #1 in the early 1920's. He was a wainwright and he helped build the very first dirigible, the Shenandoah. We are trying to find out some more of his history at the site.

From: Gerald Murphy of WI
28 Nov 2009

I was at lakehurst NATF-SI from 1968 till 1970. I worked in the office, for a couple months , then went to the airframes shop. I made E5 just before I left. After I left I went to school in ca. Then it was on to Puerto Rico to VC-8.I got out in April of 1972. Lakehurst was a fun place to be, not far from the beach and NY. John Burns if you read this let me know, also Wade (Red) Drumgoogle.

From: Joe L McClain of NJ
25 Nov 2009

I was stationed at lakehurst from sept.1964 to jan.1966. I was a member of the marine guard unit that provided special security at the base.I was the sgt. in charge of the first platoon in the guard unit. The commanding officers of the guard unit during this time,was lt.col walker and then major mcquown.I really enjoyed my tour of duty at this historical base.Would like to hear from any of the marines that served with me during this time. [semper fi]

From: Rayma Kemper  
3 Nov 2009

I am a fifth grade teacher in training at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I want to thank you for the fantastic information about Lakehurst NAS and the Hindenburg I found for my class. Because of the wealth of knowledge contained on your site, I was able to make the story of the Hindenburg SO much more interesting than what was in the reader. The students LOVED learning about the airships. I have refered all of them to your site if they would like to know more. Again, thank you and keep up the wonderful work.

From: Kenneth E. Bedell of NJ  
26 Oct 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst from Jan. 1971-Dec. 1971. I ran the special services building. I was also married in the Cathedral Of The Air in Oct. 1971 and had my reception at the golf shack.

From: THOMAS Z CRAIG ADJ2 of IN
24 Oct 2009

STATIONED THERE WITH HSL-30 IN 1972---- GREAT PLACE/GOOD TIMES ALSO.

From: Barbara Ann Galler of WA
22 Oct 2009

I was born in the Dispensary at Lakehurst NAS in 1951. I remember seeing movies on base and using the officers' pool in summer. I would love to see more archival photos, especially of the Dispensary. My birth certificate is one of the coolest: made of nice parchment and with a magnificent blimp on it!

From: James St.John of AL
20 Oct 2009

I was stationed there HC-4 from 69-70 AMS-3,made a med. cruse on the USS LaSall.Loved Lakehurst area and girls big time for all. Hello to you old shipmates hope everyone is well and still above ground.

From: Stephen George of NH   
01 Oct 2009

I WAS STATIONED AT THE NAVAL AIR STATION FROM 1968-1970.I WAS ASSIGNED TO NATF[SI] WHERE I OPERATED THE ENGINE ROOM FOR THE MOD 1 CATAPULT. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FACILITY AND IS IT STILL IN OPERATION?

From: William Offenhauser of OR  
29 Sept 2009

I attended Parachute Material School and LTA School in 1942.

From: Vernon (Earl) Stapleton of IN
24 Sept 2009

Went to PR school fall of 1967 made my jump on 11/21/1967 would love to hear from anyone who was there at this time. Can't remember the class number?

From: Leroy Knox of IL  
13 Sept 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst in HU-2 from Oct.1950 to Dec.1953 with deployments on the Midway,Coral Sea, Lake Champaine, and cuiser Salem.

From: Douglas Vernon of CA   
08 Sept 2009

Because of a website known as propliners.com I found my way to your site...and it is amazing. I've always had a facination with the classic passenger carrying and U.S. Naval airships. I'm delighted you're keeping the history alive.

From: Milton Stephens of OK   
08 Sept 2009

My father Eugene B. Stephens was stationed at NAS Lakehurst during 1939-41. I was born 1 Aug 1939 and at the age of 6 months (Feb of 40) came to Lakehurst to live.

I can remember looking out a window and seeing men parachute out of a blimp. This is still vivid in my memory. That is my earliest memory of anything in my life up until I was about 6 years old and started to school.

My father enlisted in the Navy in Dec of 1931 and was on the USS Arkansas BB-33 from Aug 1932 - Mar 1935. Transferred from Arkansas to the Fleet Air Base, Coco Solo, Canal Zone for duty with VP Squadron Two-F, and qualified as an Aircraft Radioman on 10 Nov 1936.

From Aug 1937 to 30 Dec 1938 he was stationed at NOB, Norfolk, Va with Scouting Squadron 6. He was stationed aboard the USS Yorktown CV-5 from 30 Dec 1938 to 21 Apr 1939. While on the Yorktown they participated in Fleet Problem XX in the So. Atlantic in the vicinity of Cuba and Haiti. On 21 April 1939, he was transferred to NAS Lakehurst.

I have some interesting letters he sent to my Mom during 1939 before she and us kids joined him there in Lakehurst. In one letter he speaks of a base party that Commander Kenworthy attended. Also there was a base Doctor that received a set of orders unexpectedly (wasn't due for transfer) got upset and punched the C.O. He was being held in the base brig or phyco ward. My father said it was reported that the Doctor drank up all the liquor on the base.

My father was promoted to RM1/c there at Lakehurst on 16 Nov 1940.

On 16 Feb he was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, Tx.

As with most of my family members, we have all served in the Navy. I retired from the Navy Reserve in 1986 as an SM1. Served almost 10 years active. Vietnam Vet, etc. Served on the USS Shangri-La CVA-38 from 1958-60; Point Defiance LSD-31 during 1966; USS Mansfield DD-728 from 1968-1970; USS Roark DE-1053 from 1972-73.

Enjoy your website, and hope to visit Lakehurst some time in the future.

From: Edward McDonald of FL  
06 Sept 2009

1966 to 1969....HC-4 Personnel Dept..........What a historic Station to be stationed............anyone out there in that time frame............say hello

From: Jack Kelly of NV  
04 Sept 2009

Graduated PR School Dec. 1958 USMC Made 13,000th jump at school. No fatalities. Pictures were taken of event to be included in base newspaper. I was transferred and never saw photos. Would love to see them. Any ideas ??????

From: Jen
03 Sept 2009

nice

From: Duane of OH  
01 Sept 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst from Oct 75-May 76 for Aerographer's Mate A and C school. I still remember those days like it was yesterday. I lived in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park, right on the boardwalk. Fun times. Classes started at 6 a.m and were over at noon.

From: Rudy Pecoraro of FL & NY   
31 Aug 2009

I attended Aerographer's School at Lakehurst, NJ and Ggraduated in July or August of '45'. A long time ago. Still remember it with pride.

Went on to Ulithi after that for about 10 or 12 months.

From: Dick Schmidt of TX   
16 Aug 2009

I was ships company at schools - Aerographer & Parachute Rigger, 1952-53- 54

From: Frank Daly of FL  
27 Jul 2009

USMC, PR A school May 1967, class 714. Great web site, lots of memories from Lakehurst and surrounding area.

From: Johnny Signor of FL  
25 Jul 2009

I'm looking for color phots/scans of the following WW2 Airship unit emblems,ZJ-1,ZP-21,ZP-23,ZP-24,ZP-32,ZP-33,ZP- 41,ZP-42,ZP-51 anyone who can help or has leads to these emblem designs PLEASE contact me at my e mail ,thank you!!! WeBeEmblems@aol.com

From: Spahr McCarthy of NY  
24 Jul 2009

I used to live in Lakehurst from 1972 until 1982. In fact my house was right behine the Naval Station ( 311 Manapaqua Ave.) It's great to see a site like this, brings back memories of a great time and place. If anyone remembers me, please email me and let's get re-aquainted

From: Garry L Ruis of MN
23 Jul 2009

I was with HU-2 Lakehurst from Oct 60 - Sept 62, I was PN3 when I left. I worked as the reenlistment and separation PN, finding this web site was fun and reading of so many that were at HU-2 when I was there. Was real good duty. My wife Judy and I have good memories while we lived on the base and our son was born while we were at Lakehurst. We were farm folks and were happy to getback to Minnesota.

From: Frank Daly of FL  
11 Jul 2009

Great site. Lots of fond memories of NAS Lakehurst and the surrounding area. Was in PR 'A' School 1967, Class 714. (USMC) Great group of guys, yes even the Navy guys.

From: Carroll Ralph Butler of TX   
09 Jul 2009

I graduated from PR-A School as a PR-3 in 1962, From there I was transfered to VFP-63 at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego CA. Served on USS KittyHawk (VFP-63 Det Charlie) 1963 to 1964 as PR-2. Transfered to VU-7 also at Miramar and was discharged from USN in March of 1967. I was known as CR the PR

From: James (Chris) Cowan of WA
27 Jun 2009

ABE A&C schools 78&80. Remember the "TAP" (CALASSES?),massive Hanger One, and the girls of Georgian Court. Made two tours onboard CORAL SEA. Presently back in Tacoma WA, any old class or shipmates, would be cool to hear from you.

From: Herb Stickney of NY      
12 Jun 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst from 1962 thru 1966 in HU4 later called HC4. I was an ADR3, plane captain and air crewman on a UH34. I spent much of my duty TAD to the USS Altair in the Med. I would enjoy hearing from any of my shipmates. Also when I first arrived at Lakehurst the blimps were still flying and they used to pass over our barracks in the evening and we would go outside to see them. I would like to know if there is any reunions for HC4 member and if so there location?

From: Lamar Pittman of CA    
09 Jun 2009

I can't help but wonder if these amazing machines could have any modern-day applications, either civilian or military. Obviously, the lack of adequate weather technology doomed the Akron and cut short the LTA experiment.

Thank you for the history and for this great site!

From: Jon C. Smith of FL

I was on the staff of Parachute Rigger school at Lakehurst from 1975-1979 and 1982-1985. Made a lot of jumps, always look back at the Lakehurst days as the best of my 22 years. I reported to A school in the fall of 1963 and was detailed to hanger 1 to help roll the last airship up and get it ready for storage. Great job on the website, too much history at Lakehurst not to preserve it.

From: David McLeod of TX  
24 May 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst, NJ NATF(SI) 1966-1968. It was a great place to be stationed at.

From: Diane Woodley of FL   
19 May 2009

Great site. While researching the web for history of the Lakehurst Air Station helicopter squadrans for the Navy Helicopter Veterans Association (NHVA) reunion newsletter, I came across this site and found it fascinating. Then I found the guestbook, with many references to helo squadrans. Check out our web site: www.navhelo.org to find out about membership and how to attend our next reunion in September, 2009. NHVA is open to members and spouses of all U.S. Naval Helicopter Squadrons. Thank you for keeping history alive.

From: William Emley of GA   
19 May 2009

Wonderful reading about mission success of Lakehurst and the different airships. Researching information about the GRAF ZEPPELIN LZ-127 that visited Lakehurst. Have pictures that I would be glad to send you copies of her visit while she was receiving repairs to her port rear wing. If you could pass along any information concerning her visits to Lakehurst, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...

Sincerely, William A. Emley, RMC(SS) USN Ret.

From: John Mitten of NH   
06 May 2009

My late Father, William F. Mitten, was "...one of the first radio reporters to give an eye-witness report of the dirigible Hindenburg crash..."

My older Brother, just found the article below, this March 27, 2009.

...the reporter mentioned below in the July 21, 1945 issue of ?Box Office.?

My Father never mentioned that he was reporting live at the Hindenburg disaster to any of his three children in his life and may explain a great deal about the angst that dogged him every day.

"William F. Mitten, New England and New Jersey newspaper man, has been appointed as news editor of WFEA in Manchester. He was one of the first radio reporters to give an eye-witness report of the dirigible Hindenburg crash at Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1937."

From: Robert L Curry of NY   
30 Apr 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst twice..1952 and 1955, was also statined at HU2 Det.1 NAS Norfolk..Was a member of the"pelican club" and credited with 7 rescues at sea. Served aboard 17 carriers and other capitol ships including the Whiskey, Oak Marsh, etc. Left HU2 "Sept. 1955

From: Dave McLaughlin of ME   
26 Apr 2009

I was an AT and had to learn Morse code to qualify as a flight crewman and didn't waste my time.

Key West, ZX-11 was my first assignment from AT"A" school 12-56. What a wonderful assignment it was. First of all it was a small outfit with 3-4 blimps (airships), a 3K, 5K Nan ship. They were like children that had to be tended to night and day. Weigh off in the evening to lighten the airship as the sun goes down (otherwise the increased weight would probable break a landing gear strut as the blimp rotated with the prevailing wind around the mast for 360 degress) and in the morning hang sand bags and take on water ballast to the airship as the sun comes up...(you don't want to see your favorite LTA standing on its nose at 11:00 A.m.). They were wonderful to take care of and wonderful to fly in.

There are story's but one that I vividly remember was an exercise off the coast of Mayport, Fl, I guess in 1958, where we went aboard (volunteer crew from ZX-11) the USS Leyte, CVS-32, for an adventure 200 miles out to (a temoultous) sea for an in flight re-fueling of our airship from the deck of the carrier. It was a disaster but I won't give details on this post, but maybe at a later date. All in all it was a great 2 years with wonderful shipmates in superb location.

From: Edward Nicholls of CA
24 Apr 2009

I was stationed at NATTC Lakehurst from Aug-Oct 1986 for ABE School. Later sent to fleet aboard U.S.S. Coral Sea CV- 43. I was sent to the Waist Cat (there was only 1 waist cat). Made two Med cruises until her DECOM in April 1990. Worked all stations except MCC. Partook in well over 1000 day & night launches at Deck Edge and T.S.P.O. ABE'S don't work in 12 on 12 off shifts like most other rates. They work at doing the most dangerous of all flight deck tasks with very little or no sleep. Let's not forget the ever so popular "YUMMY BOX LUNCHES" on daily basis. ABE-2 Nicholls

From: Larry Bob Evans of PA   
06 Apr 2009

I was station as a marine guard from 1961 to 1963 also Capt. of the Lakehusrt 4th Nval Dist. Basketball Team that won the 4th Championship in 1961 or 1962. Like to hear from anyone that was station there at that time. The base newspaper had a front page of me and another member holding the trophy. I would like to hve a copy of that picture.

From: Kevin M McCoy of MI   
27 Mar 2009

Attened PR"A" school late 1970, worked at orange parachutes on weekends,lots of fun in Toms River,volunteered for NARF El Centro,Calif.Qualified as test jumper at the age of 18yrs old,worked for PRCM Harold Picard for the next 3yrs.It takes a special kind of person to jump out of aircraft, I'm proud to have been a part of all this!

From: Chuck Large of USA   
09 Mar 2009

I was stationed with airship squadron ZP-12 during the summer and fall of 1943. I often flew on patrol and was in charge of the advanced landing party when not flying. We lost a K ship off the coast and found th bodies of all of the crew, except for the pilot. It was some time after the crash when his body was finally found. It was a sad time for us. It was a long hike to the main gate as we were in a sort of valley beyond the main station. We rode in a big center entrance trailer from the barracks down to the field. The nicest memory I have is sitting outside the hanger on warm evenings listening to an all night music station in New York.

From: Catherine Halper of PA   
08 Mar 2009

I accidently stumbled upon this page and am very glad that I did. My father was the inventor and builder H. L. Birum Jr. He used to tell me the story of when he led a team of 100 men in constructing the roof of a "blimp" hangar at Lakehurst. He said that the roof was so large that it had it's own weather system and would rain inside.

He also was excused from the draft during World War 2 because he was required to stand by to ensure that the roof was maintained. I would love to know which Hangar that may have been. He passed away three years ago at the age of 94.

From: Bill Schleich of FL   
01 Mar 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst with helicopter squadren HU-4 from 1962 to 64. Best duty I ever had was a 6 month cruise on the USCGC Westwind w/two Bell helos. I grew up in Akron, Ohio and remember the Goodyear, and Navy blimps, flying over my house. The pilots would occasionally lean out and wave to my sister and I. I hated to see the blimps go and remember fondly watching them while at Lakehurst.

From: Alan Greene of TX  
27 Feb 2009

Almost forgot to mention - my sister, Karen, was born at the NAS Lakehurst hospital. Her birth certificate has the requisite photo of a blimp prominently displayed at the top!

From: Alan Greene of TX  
27 Feb 2009

I lived just outside the back gate at Lakehurst in the Pinehurst Apartments from 1957 to 1960. I participated in Boy Scouts and our troop had many meetings in one of the ready rooms in Hangar 3 or 4, where ZPG-2 and ZPG- 3 "Blimps" were undergoing maintenance. Several times, sailors would invite us to tour the gondola and peer into the envelope through a plexiglass bubble at the top center of the upper deck. I can remember how, on a sunny afternoon, the enormous shadow of one of these ships would darken the area as they headed in to the "mat" to land. Many of my schoolmates were the sons and daughters of Navy men and I spent quite a bit of time on the base itself, particularly at the BX, the movie theater, and the two swimming pools. Our next door neighbor was a young Navy lieutenant with two little girls. He was sadly killed when one of the ZPGs suddenly collapsed and sank while on a patrol mission off the coast of New Jersey. I believe it was that crash that led to the suspension and eventual discontinuance of the Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) program at Lakehurst. My father, an Air Force sergeant, was transferred to the Panama Canal Zone in 1960, and I never had the chance to visit Lakehurst again. I will always remember the huge hangars and exploring the woods around the base where we found what appeared to be the "skeletons" of old airships.

From: Robert Williams of PA   
20 Feb 2009

I totally enjoy your site. My first rememberances are of living on base at Lakehurst. Housing was only a couple blocks away from the swimming pool. Officer and enlisted families had seperate playgrounds. When I was three I walked up to the dispensery where my father served as a hospital corpsman and had to be brought back home. Part of my fathers duties was wearing a head set and keeping guys conversatoinally occupied as they inspected for leaks inside the envelope. They'd go in with a rope tied to their waist so that he could pull them out should they pass out. Aircraft wreckage used to line the fence as one rode down the road to the main gate. FYI, using local.live.com, one can see the shadow of the transfer tracks which lead to a grove of trees where the high mast once stood.

From: Steve Dobson of MN   
13 Feb 2009

I was stationed at Lakehurst in 1971 and 1972. I was an HM3 attached to HC-4 and later HSL-30. Being at Lakehurst was like a step into the past. It was one of the best experiences of my whole life. The dispensary was very old, then and imagine there are new facilities there, now. I spent countless hours in an ambulance watching jets landing and taking off using the arresting gear and also being there for jump school. I especially remember going out on NX Lima drills in the old cracker box ambulances. Is it possible to tour the facility?

From: Lyn Johnson of NY  
11 Feb 2009

I am trying to locate someone who was stationed with my husband Eric Szarka (HC-4 sqaudron) from 1968 to 1970/1971. His name is Leonard Doughball(not sure spelling is correct) He was a good friend and I would love to get in touch with him.

From: Burt Douthit of MT   
04 Feb 2009

I was a Marine who completed AG "A" school in July of 1971. I have fond memories of Lakehurst, and all my classmates, both sailors and marines. We had some great instructors, too. Spent over three years in the weather office at MCAS, Yuma, AZ. Good memories there, too.

From: Kenneth Shelol of KY
20 Jan 2009

I was in class 5331 pr school.I would like to hear from any of my class mates. E Mail kenshell@fuse.net

From: William Fields of IN  
17 Jan 2009

I was wondering if the parachute riggers school is still operating? I graduated from the school on the 27th of February 1948.

From: Lauren HarshAw of FL  
15 Jan 2009

My grandfather, William Edwin Blair, Jr. was a naval pilot that flew airships out of Lakehurst during his naval career. He recently passed away and I was hoping to find out more about his time in Lakehurst. If anyone knew him or knows how I can find out more information about the blimps he flew, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help! I am quite happy I stumbled upon this site.

From: Jenna of OH   
14 Jan 2009

love the photos

From: Harry Flood of CA   
11 Jan 2009

I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst 52-54 as a Disbursing Clerk First Class. Married a WAVE Storekeeper at the Cathedral of the Air in '53. Still together. Retired in 1973 as a LCDR in the Supply Corps. Remember well Sam's, the Airship and Eisenhower's.

From: Bob Malone of MD  
10 Jan 2009

To Vince Dewitt Farrell, - I played on the NAS baseball team in '51 & '52.I was the Catcher. Our Couch was from a VX squadron (I believe). Had a great 18 months in Key West

From: Mary Davis of NJ   
05 Jan 2009

I'm looking for a Hindenburg expert. I have a piece of something that my grandfather claims is a piece of the Hindenburg. I would like to find out if this is true. Thank you

From: Sue Davis of SC  
03 Jan 2009

Fascinating reading. My husband is USAF retired (C-141/C- 17 pilot), my father in law is a retired P-3 Navigator, mother in law is retired Navy, and I am also a USAF Veteran. Thanks for this site preserving our history of service.

My grandfather, F. Harmon Furney passed on New Year's Day at the age of 92. He was my grandmother's second husband of almost 30 years). He had mentioned his son dying in a blimp accident in Lakehurst but never would say very much about it. I never knew his son's name until I saw Harmon's obituary - it is Frederick Allen Furney. Would love to know any additional details about Frederick Furney's service on the LTA ships and what happened in July 1960.