Check out information about the USS Macon sometime, 'Hai. One of two Zeppelins used as military scout ships with the ability to carry and launch planes.<br/><br/>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Macon_(ZRS-5) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Macon_(ZRS-5))<br/><br/>For obvious reasons, the Ships in the CS 'verse are generally bigger, longer, and have higher service ceilings; most can fly between the peaks in the rockies without leakage, or venting required, though it also needs nerves of drawn steel; a bad crosswind can slap a Zep right into the side of a mountain with about as much effort as we take to slap a fat, slow fly.<br/><br/>As for Mister Johnston, well, face of MacArthur, body of 'Biff' Compton (read: big, strong, and used to play sports with regularity; possibly baseball); Clearly Ex-military, Clearly well-disciplined, and clearly curious about the inner workings of the ship. (and maybe its owner, too. *wink wink, nudge nudge*)