Akron answered the US Navy's need to scout the immense distances of the Pacific. Its range and endurance could carry reconnaissance beyond the practical reach of smaller blimps. Small aircraft could search ahead while the vulnerable mothership remained farther from danger. Helium made the American experiment safer than a hydrogen-filled airship, although the lifting gas was costly and scarce.
Chapter · 5:45-8:18
Why the US Navy wanted a flying aircraft carrier
The Pacific reconnaissance problem led the US Navy to test a helium airship that could remain outside the threat area while parasite aircraft searched ahead.