This is the third in a series.

One hundred years ago many experts believed the future of aviation would be with giant lighter-than-airships and the New Jersey Pine Barrens would become the center of activity.

During the summer of 1924, the Navy’s new dirigible, the USS Shenandoah, impressed crowds flying over New York City, Buffalo, Canada and Philadelphia. The Jersey Shore beachgoers became accustomed to seeing the more than two football fields long monster passing overhead.

While the airship’s range was far greater than any fixed-wing aircraft of the time, the Navy had a plan that would make…