Editing USS Shenandoah (ZR-1) (section)

===Flight across North America===
[[File:USS Shenandoah over USS Patoka 1924-25.jpg|thumb|''Shenandoah'' flies over the {{USS|Patoka|AO-9|2}}, the airship's supply tender]]
In July 1924, the oiler {{USS|Patoka|AO-9|6}} put in at [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]] for extensive modifications to become the Navy's first airship tender. An experimental mooring mast {{convert|125|ft|m|abbr=on}} above the water was constructed; additional accommodations both for the crew of ''Shenandoah'' and for the men who would handle and supply the airship were added; facilities for the helium, gasoline, and other supplies necessary for ''Shenandoah'' were built, as well as handling and stowage facilities for three seaplanes. ''Shenandoah'' engaged in a short series of mooring experiments with ''Patoka'' to determine the practicality of mobile fleet support of scouting airships. The first successful mooring was made on 8 August.<ref name="p67"/> During October 1924, ''Shenandoah'' flew from Lakehurst to California and on to [[Washington (state)|Washington state]] to test newly erected mooring masts. This was the first flight of a rigid airship across North America.