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Retired Police Officer, Veteran Advocate, Documentary Film Producer & Author of the books, "The Giant Killer" and "Giant Killers, War Heroes & Special Forces Legends"

The USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) was a prominent airship acquired by the US from Germany as part of World War I reparations. Commissioned in the 1920s, it played a pivotal role in the development of airship operations, techniques, and naval aviation strategies. Despite its significant contributions, the rise of airplane technology and a series of high-profile airship accidents eventually led to its decommissioning in the 1930s. The early 20th century saw the rise of airships as a novel and promising mode of transportation and warfare. Post-World War I geopolitics and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles played an unexpected role in the story of the USS Los Angeles. The treaty, which aimed to establish peace and redraw the global map after the devastating war, imposed numerous conditions on Germany, the primary aggressor. Among these conditions were reparations, not only in the form of monetary payments but also technological assets. This was where the LZ 126, an advanced zeppelin, entered the equation. Built by the renowned Zeppelin Company in Germany, the LZ 126 was one of the most advanced airships of its time. Under the guidance and expertise of Dr. Hugo Eckener, an aeronautical engineer and leading figure in the world of airships, the LZ 126 was envisioned to serve the German Navy. Its design was characterized by an intricate blend of the latest aerodynamic principles, robust construction, and innovative materials. The primary material, duralumin, a strong yet lightweight alloy, gave the airship its formidable structure. Spanning a length of 658 feet, with a diameter nearing 80 feet, the LZ 126 was not only an engineering marvel but also a majestic sight in the skies. However, with Germany’s defeat, the airship’s fate took a different turn. As part of the war reparations outlined in the Treaty of Versailles, the LZ 126 was handed over to the United States in 1924. Recognizing its potential, the U.S. Navy quickly adopted and rechristened it as the USS Los Angeles, giving it the designation ZR-3 Stationed at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst in New Jersey, a hub of airship activities, the USS Los Angeles was poised to showcase the potential of lighter-than-air vessels in a variety of roles. From the outset, the USS Los Angeles was more than just a stationary symbol; it was an active and agile vessel, undertaking diverse missions that demonstrated the versatility of airships. One of its most acclaimed undertakings was the cross-country flight in 1925. Story by Craig Ryan #History #Warhistory #Military #Militarylife #Inventions #Airships

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John Edward Flynt

Holocaust Historian; Retired FF/Paramedic Lt.; VietnamVet; CFII; Loyal American;NoFinancialSolicitation

8mo

As a World War One and Two researcher, I have to admit that I've never seen that photo and didn't know about this! Wow.

As an enlisted aircrewman at HT-8 in 1972 I had the privilege of flying with a former WWII blimp pilot. He was involved with ASW ops off of the east coast during the war. I had a conversation with him, very interesting man. He converted over to helicopters when the Navy starting buying them and was one of the first pilots to complete the training program. He was a Captain getting ready to retire when I flew with him. He was flying as many hops as he could before retiring.

There has always been niche usage cases, under-exploited business case artefacts remain few but di remain; - Private recreational vehicle/ air-yacht. - Sailing the trade-winds with truely minimal energy consumption, retaining ability to guarantee maximum transit times thanks to remaining propulsion engines and modern avionics/ weather data. -As a base-ship for drone deliveries, sort of an amazon warehouse or "cloud-kitchen".

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Jacki Skeels

Social Services Provider & Adult Educator at Retired

8mo

What an awesome sight this is. 🇺🇸

Thanks for the history lesson!

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Terry M. Zimmerman

EH&S Hospital Project Inspector, QAQC Manager, Const. Inspector, Senior Super.-IV, Experienced In - Hospital/Healthcare Const., Industrial Const..

7mo

Interesting.

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Art Jacobs

CEO at Valkyrie Consulting Group

8mo

A huge slow target in the sky.

Great share

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