JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --
The Joint Base community came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster on the Lakehurst-side of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 6, 2017.
The Lakehurst-side gates were open to the public for the duration of the event which saw attendance from hundreds of community members. Witness to the traditional playing of Taps and ringing of the U.S. Navy passing bell were the descendants of both the airship’s surviving passengers as well as the ground crew.
The Hindenburg airship went up in a ball of fire while landing at then-Lakehurst Naval Air Station. The exact cause of the disaster that caused 36 fatalities remains a mystery, with theories ranging from static electricity to sabotage.
“My father, Bill Farrington, was part of the ground crew working the night of the Hindenburg disaster,” said Ann Camp, a guest at the memorial. “He said that was the night he made Jesse Owens look like a boy scout, he ran as fast as he could from the explosion. He had a lot of nightmares because of it.”
Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, deputy chief of staff for manpower and former Joint Base MDL commander, attended the event and discussed the long-term impact of lighter than air transportation on aviation.
“We certainly look back and salute these air power pioneers who came before us,” said Grosso. “We are proud to continue their legacy of breaking barriers in air, space and cyberspace.”
Although the infamous Hindenburg disaster spelled an early end for lighter-than-air transportation, the Hindenburg memorial continues to draw interest. The Joint Base takes the time each year to ensure the story of both tragedy and bravery is not forgotten. Today, only one survivor of the Hindenburg disaster remains.
“We recognize the heroism displayed by the survivors and the bystanders, who rushed into the fire to help others escape,” said Col. Fredrick D. Thaden, Joint Base and 87th Air Base Wing commander. “Today we remember the lives that were tragically lost 80 years ago and we commemorate those who put themselves in harm’s way to help others.”