on 12 december 1918, in a test to determine the feasibility of carrying fighter aircraft on dirigibles, the airship c-1 lifted a us army curtiss jn-4 aircraft to 2,500 feet over fort tilden, new york, and at that height released it for a free flight back to base. the airship was piloted by lieutenant george crompton, dirigible officer at nas rockaway, and the airplane by lieutenant a. w. redfield, usa, commander of the 52nd aero squadron based at mineola (long island, ny).