2/12/35 USS MACON Memorial Signed REAR ADMIRAL M. R PIERCE, Comm USS LOS ANGELES

Additional Notes: Mellone's 2/12/35 - C87.8. $25.00
USS Pennsylvania Cds

Signed by Rear Admiral Maurice R. Pierce

Addressed to:
Mr. H. Fred Warner
Weatherly, Penna

A Very Attractive Cover!
  Air Ship USS Los Angeles.

USS Los Angeles was a rigid airship, designated ZR-3, which was built in 1923–1924 by the Zeppelin company in Friedrichshafen, Germany, as war reparations. It was delivered to the United States Navy in October 1924 and after being used mainly for experimental work, particularly in the development of the American parasite fighter program, was decommissioned in 1932.

 Los Angeles was first flown on 27 August 1924, and after completing flight trials began the transatlantic delivery flight on 12 October under the command of Hugo Eckener, arriving at the US Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, New Jersey, after an 81-hour flight of 4,229 nautical miles (7,832 km; 4,867 mi). The airship was commissioned into the US Navy on 25 November 1924 at Anacostia, D.C. with Lieutenant Commander Maurice R. Pierce in command. On its arrival in the United States, its lifting gas was changed from hydrogen to helium, which reduced payload but improved safety. At the same time the airship was fitted with equipment to recover water from the exhaust gases for use as ballast to compensate for the loss of weight as fuel was consumed, so avoiding the necessity to vent scarce helium to maintain neutral buoyancy.

The airship went on to log a total of 4,398 hours of flight, covering a distance of 172,400 nautical miles (319,300 km; 198,400 mi). Long-distance flights included return flights to Panama, Costa Rica and Bermuda. It served as an observatory and experimental platform, as well as a training ship for other airships.

Previous Dealer Price: $75.00+

Hi! I just purchased hundreds of great dirigible covers and ephemera! USS Akron, Macon, Goodyear, Shenandoah, Graf Zeppelin, Defender, Puritan and more! Be on the lookout as many have autographs of Eckener, Dresel, Rosendahl, Crew Members, Survivors, Pilots, Captains & More! Some are unique! In addition to that, there are many original photos, postcards & even 2 pieces of fabric from the USS Akron!

This item is in Very Fine Condition. <-- Condition Issues If Any. If there are wrinkles, waves, tears or missing pieces, I'll mention them. Please view the scans to form your own opinion on condition. Additional information upon request. Just message me! Thanks for looking, and thanks in advance for your bids or purchase!