🇺🇸 Lakehurst Maxfield Field Airport

Lakehurst Maxfield Field (FAA LID: NEL, ICAO: KNEL) is a private-use military airfield located in Lakehurst, New Jersey, United States. It is the naval component of Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst (JB MDL), which is managed by the United States Air Force,.

Type of Facility and Operations:

• Ownership: U.S. Navy, operated by the 87th Air Base Wing of the USAF,.
• Use: Private use; permission is required prior to landing.
• Control Tower: Yes, with specific operating hours.
• Primary Mission: Supports and develops Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment and Support Equipment for naval aviation. This includes testing systems like the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Arresting Gear.
• Occupants: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, Fleet Logistics Squadron 64, New Jersey Air National Guard, and NOSC Fort Dix.

Notable Features and History:

• Historical Significance: Originally a test range in 1916, it became a U.S. Army camp during WWI and was purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1921 as Naval Air Station Lakehurst.
• Airship Development: It was a center for U.S. airship development, housing rigid airships like the USS Shenandoah, USS Los Angeles, and USS Akron. Hangar One was once the largest "single room" in the world.
• Hindenburg Disaster: The installation was the site of the LZ 129 Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937. A memorial marks the crash site.
• Unique Test Facilities: In addition to its main airfield, it has a separate 13,000 ft (4,000 m) test runway (12/30) equipped with pavement-mounted catapults and arresting gear for testing aircraft-carrier suitability.
• Runways: The main airfield has two 5,002 ft x 150 ft asphalt runways (06/24 and 15/33) and one 3,500 ft x 90 ft concrete runway (63/243),.

Current Status:

• Operational: The airport is currently operational.
• Construction Notice: There is an active construction notice for the airport.
• Attendance: Operational Monday-Friday, with extended hours for scheduled aircraft and local NJ ANG/USMC operations. Closed weekends and federal holidays, except for scheduled training,.

*Sources researched: nfdc.faa.gov, airnav.com, en.wikipedia.org, thejetfinder.com*