The Port of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook, OR, is preparing to begin the first phase of repair work at the storm-damaged Hangar B, marking the latest step in ongoing efforts to stabilize and preserve one of the largest surviving WWII wooden blimp hangars in the United States. According to an update released by the Tillamook Air Museum, work is expected to begin in early August, pending final coordination with outside partners. The project is anticipated to take approximately 30 days and will focus on removing the section of roofing that was torn loose during the December 2025 windstorm. The storm peeled back roughly 200 feet of Hangar B’s roof, leaving a large section of the historic structure exposed and creating an ongoing safety hazard. Museum officials said the upcoming work will involve the safe removal and disposal of the damaged roofing, reducing the immediate risk while preparing the site for future phases of the hangar’s recovery.
(Image credit: Tillamook Air Museum)
The announcement follows several months of planning between the Port of Tillamook Bay and state and federal agencies. As we previously reported, the Port has been working with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on recovery projects related to the storm damage. Click HERE to read about the previous updates. Earlier this year, Port officials also confirmed they were pursuing partnerships to help address funding requirements associated with potential FEMA assistance while developing a long-term preservation strategy for Hangar B.
(Image credit: The Port of Tillamook Bay)
During a Port of Tillamook Bay Board meeting earlier this year, Port Board President Jack Mulder emphasized that the Port had not abandoned the historic structure despite deciding not to commit additional Port funds toward the repair project. At the same meeting, Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum President Dallas Adams encouraged continued cooperation among public agencies, preservation organizations, and community supporters, noting that opportunities to save the hangar remained as long as the building was still standing.
Port officials described the roofing project as the first on-site phase of work since the December storm. While it does not represent a full restoration of the hangar, removing the damaged roofing is expected to improve site safety and allow planning for subsequent phases of repair. The Port said protecting public safety remains its highest priority and described the project as another step toward preserving one of Tillamook County’s best-known historic landmarks. We’ll come with more updates as work progresses. For more information and to support the Tillamook Air Museum, click on this link: www.tillamookair.com.
(Image credit: Tillamook Air Museum)
