Brian Siela Presents: Rigid Airships of the United States Navy

The German Zeppelins remain some of the largest and most infamous types of air vehicles ever made. Most commonly remembered for their bombing role in WWI or for the devastating Hindenburg disaster, Zeppelins and similar rigid airships had a big impact on history. Germany, however, was not the only nation to use these awe inspiring vehicles. The United States Navy operated its own rigid airships and, to much amazement, flying aircraft carriers.

            Come learn about one of the Navy’s least known and most astonishing endeavors as Brian Siela presents: Rigid Airships of the United States Navy. This special presentation will delve into the history of these gigantic airships with a focus on the science, engineering, and politics surrounding them. Tales of harrowing danger, amusing adventures, and tragic heroics will be told.

Brian Siela is an Aerospace Engineer with a passion for history and has been researching airships for over ten years. His historical area of expertise is in naval and air tactics for the period of history spanning WWI and WWII with an emphasis in Clemson- and Wickes-class destroyers and lighter-than-air ships. Brian is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle and has worked at China Lake for over 3 years. He has helped in establishing the Lecture Series for the China Lake Museum Foundation where he is currently a member of the Board of Directors.

            The China Lake Museum Foundation is proud to sponsor Brian Siela in this free to attend event, October 18th, 6:30-7:30pm, located in the Coso Room of the Maturango Museum.

            Please RSVP at: (chinalakemuseum@mediacombb.net). Walk-ins also welcome.