In World War II, the US Navy employed lighter-than-air (LTA) squadrons—blimp squadrons—for coastal defense from German U-boats and rescue and recovery. This fleet of armed airships grew from six operational LTAs in 1941 to 166 by the war’s end. Join us as Museum Senior Curator and Director for Curatorial Affairs Kim Guise discusses US blimp operations during World War II, including Airship Squadron ZP-22 (also known as Blimpron 22 or the “Bayou Bombers"), which patrolled the Gulf of Mexico based out of Naval Air Station Houma.

Dinner with a Curator is an evening of dinner and history hosted by The American Sector Restaurant & Bar culinary team and Museum professionals. Guests participate in discussion on a featured topic related to World War II, which is interpreted through the Museum's collection and a theme-inspired three-course dinner paired with beverage specials.