Marines Draft Goodyear Blimp for Christmas Manoeuvre

Today the Goodyear blimp is being pressed into service with the US armed forces for a planned strategic operation, yet there is no need to panic, arm yourself to the teeth or flee to the relative safety of your basement. The blimp is pairing up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for what Goodyear is calling a ‘joint manoeuvre’ to help the ‘Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’ collect toys for needy children.

The airship-military joint operation is taking place at the Goodyear blimp’s base in Suffield, Ohio on December 3 and 4, with the festively decorated blimp hangar open to drive through traffic. Santa Claus and the blimp’s ground crew will be on hand to wave and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and while bringing a toy to donate will bring cheer to children at Christmas, it is not compulsory.

“The Marine Corps Toys for Tots is very excited to be partnering with the Goodyear blimp this year,” said local Toys for Tots coordinator Marine staff sergeant Jeffrey Starr. “Together we aim to reach new levels of spreading Christmas cheer.”