Throwback mission: Eye in the sky in NJ a tribute to Navy's past (US Navy brings back the blimp)

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.northjersey.com/news/88713637_EYE_IN_THE_SKY_A_TRIBUTE_TO_NAVY_S_PAST.html

Throwback mission: Eye in the sky in NJ a tribute to Navy's past

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Last updated: Saturday March 20, 2010, 10:56 AM
BY EVONNE COUTROS
The Record
STAFF WRITER

A naval reconnaissance program — that uses a blimp for surveillance and intelligence missions — has been reintroduced at joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after nearly 50 years.

The "lighter than air" program is a fleet of one at this point, with the $3.6 million MZ-3A airship, built about four years ago, patrolling the eastern skies.

"It is a fair-weather craft," said Bert Race, a retired Navy commander and government flight representative for the project.

The airship also has ties to the ill-fated Hindenburg, as it honors a Navy serviceman from New Jersey who was one of the last surviving members of the ground crew during the Hindenburg explosion at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station in 1937.

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[whyverne]

1. That's neat. n/t