USS Shenandoah (ZR-1)
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USS Shenandoah was the first of four United States Navy rigid airships. It was constructed during 1922–1923 at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, and first flew in September 1923. It developed the U.S. Navy's experience with rigid airships and made the first crossing of North America by airship. On the 57th flight, Shenandoah was destroyed in a squall line over Ohio in September 1925.
USS Shenandoah moored at NAS San Diego
L-49/LZ-96
1923 photo of the airship control gondola of USS Shenandoah. Commander McCrary, the ship's commander, is shown at the wheel. Called "Empress of the Clouds"
Shenandoah's damaged bow following the storm in January, 1924
USS Los Angeles (ZR-3)
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USS Los Angeles was a rigid airship, designated ZR-3, which was built in 1923–1924 by the Zeppelin company in Friedrichshafen, Germany, as war reparations. She was delivered to the United States Navy in October 1924 and after being used mainly for experimental work, particularly in the development of the American parasite fighter program, was decommissioned in 1932.
Cover carried on the delivery flight from Germany to Lakehurst, New Jersey, 12–15 October 1924
Zeppelin LZ-126 arriving at Lakehurst, 15 October 1924
Los Angeles (right) and Shenandoah moored in Hangar No. 1 in 1924