The U.S. Naval Air Station Dirigible Hangar B at Tillamook, Oregon, is a historic site linked to post-WWII military patrols on America’s West Coast. Plans for the airport began in 1941, and construction started after Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The Navy’s non-rigid airship program led to hangars at 10 U.S. locations, including Tillamook, chosen for its strategic location and natural protection.
Tillamook’s two hangars, designed for “K” style blimps, were built with egg-shaped roof shells and are among the largest timber-framed buildings in the world. Hangar “A” cost $2.4 million and Hangar “B” $3.1 million. Hangar “B” was completed on August 15, 1943, and Hangar “A” on August 27, 1943.
Eight “K” series blimps were housed at Tillamook, which was crucial for developing air-sea rescue techniques and served as a refueling and rearming site. The Navy closed the station in 1948, and the County later acquired the hangars. Hangar “B” became the Tillamook Air Museum in 1994 after Hangar “A” was destroyed by fire in 1992.