Moffett Federal Airfield

From Canonica AI

Overview

Moffett Federal Airfield, also known as Moffett Field, is a joint civil-military airport located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, near Mountain View, California. It is situated within the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County and is operated by the NASA Ames Research Center. The airfield has a rich history, having served various military and civilian purposes since its establishment in the early 20th century. It is named after Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, a pioneer in naval aviation.

History

Early Years

Moffett Federal Airfield was originally commissioned as Naval Air Station Sunnyvale in 1933. The site was chosen due to its strategic location and favorable weather conditions, which were ideal for the operation of airships. The airfield's most notable structure, Hangar One, was constructed to house the USS Macon, a rigid airship used by the United States Navy for reconnaissance missions. Hangar One is one of the world's largest freestanding structures, covering eight acres and standing 198 feet tall.

World War II and Post-War Era

During World War II, Moffett Field played a crucial role in the defense of the Pacific Coast. It served as a base for blimps and fixed-wing aircraft that patrolled the coastline for enemy submarines. After the war, the airfield continued to support various military operations, including the training of naval aviators and the testing of new aircraft technologies.

In 1947, the airfield was renamed Naval Air Station Moffett Field in honor of Rear Admiral Moffett. Throughout the Cold War, Moffett Field was a hub for anti-submarine warfare operations, hosting several squadrons of P-3 Orion aircraft.

Transition to NASA and Civilian Use

In 1994, the Department of Defense decided to close Moffett Field as part of a broader base realignment and closure initiative. The airfield was transferred to NASA, which integrated it into the Ames Research Center. Since then, Moffett Federal Airfield has supported a wide range of research and development activities, including aeronautics, space exploration, and earth sciences.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Moffett Federal Airfield encompasses approximately 1,500 acres and features three runways, the longest of which is 9,200 feet. The airfield's facilities include several hangars, administrative buildings, and research laboratories. Hangar One remains a prominent landmark, although its future use has been a topic of debate due to environmental concerns related to its construction materials.

Hangar One

Hangar One is an iconic structure at Moffett Federal Airfield, known for its immense size and historical significance. Constructed in 1931, it was designed to accommodate the USS Macon and other airships. The hangar is built with a steel frame covered by galvanized iron, making it a unique architectural feat. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve Hangar One, including the removal of toxic materials and discussions about its potential repurposing.

Research and Development

As part of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Federal Airfield supports a variety of research initiatives. The airfield is used for testing new aircraft designs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced propulsion systems. It also serves as a launch site for high-altitude balloons and other experimental platforms.

Current Operations

Moffett Federal Airfield is primarily used for research and development activities, but it also supports limited military and civilian operations. The airfield is home to several tenant organizations, including the California Air National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Google subsidiary Planetary Ventures, which leases Hangar One and other facilities.

Civilian Use and Community Engagement

In recent years, Moffett Federal Airfield has become more accessible to the public through community events and educational programs. NASA Ames Research Center hosts open house events, allowing visitors to explore the airfield's facilities and learn about ongoing research projects. Additionally, the airfield's proximity to Silicon Valley has fostered collaborations with technology companies and academic institutions.

Environmental and Preservation Efforts

The preservation of Moffett Federal Airfield's historical structures, particularly Hangar One, has been a focus of environmental and community advocacy. Concerns about the presence of toxic materials, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), have prompted cleanup efforts and discussions about the hangar's future use. Various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and local organizations, have been involved in these efforts.

Future Prospects

The future of Moffett Federal Airfield is closely tied to the evolving needs of NASA and its partners. As aerospace technology advances, the airfield is expected to play a key role in testing and developing new innovations. The potential repurposing of Hangar One and other facilities could further enhance the airfield's capabilities and contributions to scientific research.

See Also