MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – News media and the public are invited to attend Moffett Field’s 75th Anniversary celebration, commemorating the airships return to Moffett Field. This marks the first time an airship has been in operation at Moffett Field in more than 70 years. As part of the celebration, NASA will join Airship Ventures in the dedication and naming of their new Zeppelin airship, based at Moffett Field.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. William Moffett III, grandson of U.S. Navy Adm. Moffett, will be in attendance to pay tribute to this historic event. The celebration also will include music and exhibits.
WHAT: On Friday, Nov. 21, media are invited to participate in Moffett Field’s 75th Anniversary celebration, including the official naming and dedication of the Zeppelin airship. Rides aboard the Zeppelin will be offered and interview opportunities will be available.
WHERE: NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Operations, Bldg. 158, Moffett Field, Calif.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 (Event will be held rain or shine) All times are PST.
- 10 a.m. : Airship Ventures Zeppelin lands at Moffett Field; public viewing begins in viewing area; free exhibits and entertainment featured
- 11:00 -11:30 a.m. : Ceremony begins featuring comments by Ames Director S. Pete Worden, Airship Ventures Founders Brian and Alex Hall, and other special dignitaries
- 11:30 a.m. : Airship officially dedicated with champagne salute
- 11:45 – Noon : Media availability offered with NASA officials
- 12:00-2:00 p.m. : V.I.P. and media flights aboard the Zeppelin
WHO: Attending the event will be: Ames Director S. Pete Worden; Jack W. Boyd, Senior Advisor to the Center Director; Airship Ventures Founders Brian and Alex Hall; Col. William Moffett III, grandson of Admiral William Moffett; Wolfgang von Zeppelin, great-great-grandnephew of Count Von Zeppelin; Thomas Brandt, Chief Executive Officer Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik; Josef Büchelmeier, Mayor of Friedrichshafen, Germany; and representatives from Nippon Airship Corporation, Japan. Also attending will be honorary dignitaries with connections to World War II airship operations, including former pilots.
Driving Directions: To reach NASA Ames, take the Moffett Field/NASA Parkway exit off U.S. 101 and drive east on Moffett Boulevard towards the main gate. Drive through the main gate towards Hangar One and turn right on Westcoat Road. Take a right onto Cody Road and turn left on Carroll Drive into building 158 parking lot (map). Media should park in a designated area on the left side of building 158. Media interested in flying in the Zeppelin should call Beth Pursley at 952-221-4717 and for other NASA-related matters contact Kim Newton at 650-604-5026 or 256-653-5173 (cell).
For more information about NASA Ames Research Center, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/ames
For more information about Airship Ventures, visit:
http://www.airshipventures.com
For images from this event, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/multimedia/images/2008/zeppelin.html
To watch video of the airship arrival, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/multimedia/podcasting/2008/ARC_airship.html
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Kimberly Newton
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
650-604-5026
Kimberly.D.Newton@nasa.gov
Beth Pursley
Airship Ventures
952-221-4717
Moffett Field, Calif.