Along the Oregon coast, the concern for Japanese invasion led to the utilization of K-class blimps to guard the coast and accompany naval flotillas.
World War II and Tillamook Naval Air Station
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the Pacific fleet in December, 1941, the western coastline of the United States geared up to defend the mainland. Among the military installations built at this time were the hangars at Tillamook, Oregon. These huge buildings, over seven acres of space with a height of over 15 stories and a length over 1,000 feet, housed the K-class blimps used to search the shoreline for submarines and to escort the convoys of naval vessels.
Known as Hangers A and B, the huge structures were built during 1943 to provide shelter for the huge blimps. The airships were able to stay aloft for about three days and had a range of about 2,000 miles. They were ideally suited for coastal defense.
Decommissioned Uses of Tillamook Hangars
When World War II ended in 1945, the Navy continued to support the Air Station until 1948. At that time it was decommissioned and reverted to civilian uses. For a time a lumber mill used the large hangars for processing and storage of wood products. Later, small airplanes used the space as indoor storage. The large expanse was an option for other stored goods.
In 1992, a huge fire destroyed one of the hangars. Stored hay burned for days and all that remains is the cement crossbeam of the massive door. The second hangar was given to the town and became home to the Tillamook Air Museum.
Tillamook Air Museum is Born
Area residents and aviation buffs realized the huge remaining hangar was worth saving and being used for an air museum. Thus in 1994, the Tillamook Air Museum became a reality.
This private organization now operates a museum that includes a number of privately owned vintage aircraft, personal effects from aviation history and many newspaper articles on aviation subjects. In the hangar's theatre, an introductory film shows the World War II facility as it was being built and then the airships which were housed there.
On the hangar floor are many military planes with placards giving the historical records pertaining to their missions. Since the aircraft are privately owned, many of them are flown periodically. There are helicopters, fighter planes, and German military aircraft, among others.
Within the museum are display cases with donated items from people who were a part of particular events in aviation history. There are photos, diaries, newspaper stories, medals, patches and memorabilia depicting happenings from the last 75 years. A feature length movie on the war in the Pacific and the last sorties over Japan brings those days to life. It includes interviews with many of the bomber crews who flew the missions. The film runs continuously and can be watched for a few minutes or for longer segments.
The museum is supported by admission charges and includes a café and gift shop with aviation themed items. For those who appreciate the efforts of persons who preserve our past and share an interest in military history, this museum is a must-see.
Source: Tillamook Air Museum brochure
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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