Moffett Federal Airfield

Moffett Federal Airfield is a military and civilian airfield in Santa Clara County that maintains two active runways of 9,197 and 8,122 feet at 37 feet elevation. The grounds house facilities for the California Air National Guard, Lockheed Martin sites, and research labs belonging to NASA Ames Research Center.

The United States Congress approved construction of this naval air station in 1931 to meet the growing importance of aerial reconnaissance. The facility later shifted to NASA administration and became a center for aerospace research.

The name honors Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, who championed naval aviation and tied his career to building this facility. The grounds still show traces of different uses, from military flight training to scientific missions and civilian projects.

Access to the grounds is restricted and usually requires authorization, as military and research activities continue. Visitors can occasionally catch a glimpse of parts of the facility during special events or public open house days.

Hangar One stretches 1,133 feet long and 308 feet wide, placing it among the largest freestanding structures on Earth. The hangar was originally built for airships and still shapes the skyline of the grounds today.