USS Shenandoah (ZR-1)

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36"L x 8.5"H x 6"W

The first rigid airship constructed for the US Navy, USS Shenandoah was based on the L-49 Zeppelin used by the Germans during World War I.

The first weeks of Shenandoah's career were focused on trials and shakedown flights to test the airship's systems. In 1924, Shenandoah joined the fleet in August for tactical exercises. In October 1924, Shenandoah made its most famous flight becoming the first rigid airship to cross North America. Flying from Lakehurst to California and back to Washington, the airship tested new mooring masts and thrilled the public.

In 1925, the Navy planned a promotional tour through the Midwest that included over 40 flyovers and visits. Due to areas of severe thunderstorms over Ohio, the Commander had requested that the trip be cancelled but was denied by his superiors who wanted to showcase the airship. Early on the morning of September 3, Shenandoah encountered violent atmospheric conditions while over Noble County, Ohio.

Buffeted severely by air currents, Shenandoah's crew lost control of the airship. Rapidly rising and falling, the airship's structure amidships became overstressed, breaking it in two. As Shenandoah broke up, it external control car and engines fell free, killing its Commander and several of the crew. Other members of the crew were able to safely descend, flying the bow section as a balloon. All told the crash claimed 14 dead, while 29 managed to reach the ground alive.

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