NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Image of Hangar One at Moffett Field, Calif., taken in 1999.
Credit: NASA Ames Research Center

Click image to enlarge
 

Moffett Field’s Hangar One is a recognizable landmark in the San Francisco Bay area and a part of its early aviation history. The Navy built Hangar One at Moffett Field in 1932 for the USS Macon and to serve as the West Coast base for the U.S. lighter-than-air aviation program. The Navy transferred the hangar to NASA in 1994 after Moffett Field was decommissioned.

March 13, 2009 -- NASA remains steadfast in our commitment to the expeditious clean up and restoration of Hangar One. As we previously stated, our intent is to continue to work with the Navy on this effort. NASA has proposed the Navy be responsible for replacing the siding and ensuring the structure is water tight. Currently we have a difference of opinion regarding the cost estimates to undertake this effort. We expect to resolve our differences so that NASA can accept the long term management of this iconic structure. We will continue to keep the community informed of our progress and look forward to updating our neighbors at regular intervals."

In 1997, during routine testing, NASA Ames discovered an unusual toxin called a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), specifically Aroclor 1268, in the Center's storm drain settling basin. Subsequent sampling programs determined in 2002 that the Galbestos used in 1932 to make the external siding of Hangar 1, was the source of Aroclor 1268. As a result of the high levels of PCBs present in the Hangar 1 building components, Hangar 1 was closed to human use as required by the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA).

Read More.

Leave your comments about Hangar One.

Moffett Field’s Hangar One is a one-of-a kind historic treasure and NASA is committed to its preservation.

Now 75 years old, this iconic landmark is showing its age. As a result of a 2003 inspection revealing PCBs and other contaminants are leaking from its metallic exterior, the facility has been closed for the past five years. This year, the Navy announced plans to remove all the contaminated siding material from Hangar One, seal the structural frame and leave the hangar's framework and flooring standing. However, their plans do not address the Hangar’s reskinning. At the Navy’s recent public hearing on Aug. 26, 2008, members of the community expressed overwhelming support for full restoration.

NASA Ames Research Center assumed control of Moffett Field in the early 1990s. We agree it is in NASA's and the community’s interests to maintain the profile of Hangar One as a meaningful landmark in the South Bay.

Read More