CJA Creative Collaborations was commissioned by NASA, Planetary Ventures, and Historic Resources Group to create a website and film honoring the LEGACY of Hangar 3 located at Moffett field IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
U.S. Navy L-class blimp lifting off outside Hangars 2 and 3. Another blimp of the same type is in the left background, U.S. Navy, 1943. Courtesy National Archives & Records Administration, photo no. 80-G-K-1472
Hangar 3 was a massive timber-framed structure that was built to protect and maintain the U.S. Navy blimps that patrolled the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Although significant efforts were undertaken to repair and strengthen Hangar 3’s trusses throughout its 80-year lifespan, ultimately, it was determined that the enormous landmark could not be conserved. A detailed plan was implemented to document its history and features, and the iconic building was deconstructed in 2024.
L-class blimps from Moffett Field in formation over the Lower San Francisco Bay, U.S. Navy, 1943. Courtesy National Archives & Records Administration, record group 80, print no. 0285 December 2, 1943
After an in-depth research phase, we curated an eight-chapter narrative that explains Moffett Field’s impressive evolution, reveals how Hangar 3 was constructed, outlines the distinct entities that operated within the structure, and showcases the new visual records that were made to preserve its memory.
We partnered with Happening Studio to develop a clear, multilayered website featuring succinct stories, key facts, and an array of photos, drawings, diagrams, and films.
Naval Air Transport Service Douglas R5D-2 50865 aircraft inside Hangar 2 or 3, U.S. Navy, 1947. Courtesy National Archives & Records Administration, record group 80-G
Two 3D models created by the National Park Service using precise laser scans of Hangar 3 before it was deconstructed, allow website visitors to fly through the building’s vast space and study its 51 parabolic arched beams.
Powerful photographs taken by Stephen D. Schafer are presented in an interactive platform that invites the public to explore exterior and interior views of Hangar 3 from distinct vantage points.
Interior axial view through Hangar 3 from north door, Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Stephen D. Schafer, 2018. Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HAER, CA-335-B-26
Detail of Hangar 3 control panel in valve housing test room, Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Stephen D. Schafer, 2018. Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HAER, CA-335-B-16
CAPT Tom Spink, USN (Ret) standing in front of Hangar 3. Excerpt from Moffett Field: The Legacy of Hangar 3.
We collaborated with FILMBYSTEVO to create a short film that weaves together new cinematic footage captured at Moffett Field, archival images, and onsite interviews with individuals who provide profound insights about Hangar 3’s monumental features and the heroic missions that were launched from the historic site.
MSgt. Donna Ruckdeschel, Propulsion Flight Chief, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard. Excerpt from Moffett Field: The Legacy of Hangar 3
PROJECT PARTNERS
NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER LINK: HANGAR 3 HISTORICAL WEBSITE
HANGAR 3 WEBSITE LINK: MOFFETT FIELD HANGAR 3: BUILT TO SERVE THOSE WHO SOARED
HANGAR 3 FILM LINK: MOFFETT FIELD: THE LEGACY OF HANGAR 3
MERCURY NEWS ARTICLE: A FINAL SALUTE TO MOFFETT FIELD’S HISTORIC HANGAR 3