West Coast scouting shows the airship's search reach

On the West Coast, Akron joined Green Force and searched for White Force while opposing O2U Corsair floatplanes tried to prevent the sighting. The airship found the enemy within 22 hours, a result exercise participants highlighted in their critiques. Repairs prompted its return east, and unfavorable mountain weather made the 11 to 15 June crossing a harrowing journey. In July Akron searched for an overdue Bermuda-race yacht that was later found safe near Nantucket. Moffett then left the weather-delayed airship aboard an N2Y trainer, showing that personnel could transfer without waiting for the mothership to land. A premature towing order damaged Akron's tail in its Lakehurst hangar, but rapid repairs allowed intensive trapeze work and flank patrols to continue. On 18 November 1932, Akron and three aircraft searched a sector 100 miles wide in seven hours. The measured coverage shows the reconnaissance value the Navy was seeking despite handling damage, maintenance demands, and weather disruption.