Goodyear’s Airship Wingfoot Three Provides a Lift to the USMC Reserve’s Toys for Tots Toy Drive By Photographer and Contributor Steve Tabor
The three Goodyear Airships, Wingfoot One, Wingfoot Two, and Wingfoot Three are affectionately referred to as “the Blimp,” and they have captivated the imaginations of adults and children throughout the United States as they soar above sporting events, the Rose Parade, and across the skies throughout the country. Originally conceived by Goodyear as a flying billboard to promote the company’s automotive tires, within in a short amount of time their Blimp morphed into an American aviation icon. Goodyear continues to utilize its Airships as a keystone for the company’s dealer incentive programs, but just as importantly, Goodyear supports numerous non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. by supplying certificates for sightseeing rides in the Blimp as a highly coveted fundraising auction item.
As an outgrowth of their community outreach program, Goodyear partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2010 by sponsoring donation events at each of its three Airship Operations centers in Ohio, Florida, and here in Carson, California.
Daisy DePianto, Operations Coordinator for the Goodyear Airship Operations in Carson, explains, “Once a year, each of our Operations centers opens their gates to support the Greater South Los Angeles County USMC Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Additionally, visitors are treated to carnival games, photo opportunities, and a chance at winning a trip for two aboard the Airship for a sightseeing tour. But the highlight for many visitors is an opportunity to step onto the tarmac for close up view of the Blimp during a tour led by one of our pilots.”
For first year Blimp pilots Fayth Rascon-Ryn and Jack Branger explained that the Open House is a memorable experience. Both recently left their positions as flight instructors with multiple flight qualifications. However, they are in the process of securing their “Lighter than Air-Airship” certification which requires many hours at the controls of the Blimp.
Former flight instructor turned Airship, Jack Branger, is fascinated by the Goodyear Airship and looks forward to flying this aviation icon for many years to come.
Although they enjoyed their flight instruction time, they felt they were ready for a change from the routine, and piloting the Blimp certainly offers a variety of flight experience and learning how to fly the Blimp while managing the changing weather conditions and its “lighter than air” characteristics. They are each fascinated by the Blimp’s history and learning how to fly this icon. In their short tenure, they have managed to acquire an amazing amount of knowledge about the history and technical aspects of the Blimp’s operation, and they are very excited to share their knowledge with visitors.
Fayth Rascon-Ryn, also a first-year pilot and former flight instructor, finds that each day in the operation of the Goodyear Airship is filled with new learning experiences and a definite change from her previous flight experiences.
This year Corporal Julian Alamillo and Corporal Enrique Mendoza, both active-duty Marines assigned to the 3rd USMC Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (3d ANGLICO) in the city of Bell served as the representatives for the Toys for Tots program at the event.
Although they truly appreciate the “thank you’s” and appreciation they receive from community members, they both enjoyed the time they could spend just talking with visitors and sharing this experience.
Cpl. Julian Alamillo
Mendoza shares, “Participating in the Toy Drive can be quite humbling, and it opens your eyes to things that most of us take for granted. Seeing the toys stacked up in the donation boxes is quite impactful. It makes you realize that people really care.”
Cpl. Enrique Mendoza with Airship Pilot Branger
Alamillo admits that while growing up in Chicago, he was a Toys for Tots “kid.” He shares the families who receive these gifts exist on a modest income and cannot afford to purchase presents for their children. While delivering these donations, you see the variety of circumstances and conditions these families must cope with each day. Some of the families live in extreme poverty or are dealing with such issues as domestic violence or abuse. No matter what their circumstances are, each family’s outward expressions of gratitude can be overwhelming. For some it is with tears of joy, while others beam with smiles from ear to ear and laughter.
Alamillo and Mendoza agree, “Our jobs can be very demanding, and it is easy to lose perspective. Events like this keep you balanced. It is a great outlet, and it makes doing our job a bit easier.”
DePianto, Alamillo, and Mendoza were quick to point out the success of the event. It was clearly evident that participants in the event were truly enjoying themselves. As for the Toys for Tots donations, DePianto and the Marines agreed that “you never know how it will go.”
Only two hours into the event, Alamillo and Mendoza were contacting their support personnel because their stake bed truck was nearing capacity and they needed additional vehicles to transport the continuing supply of donations back to their headquarters in the city of Bell.
By the conclusion of the event, DePianto, Alamillo and Mendoza were very thankful for the turnout and overwhelming support from community members. And they had the feeling this will be a special Christmas for very deserving families.
Epilogue
Toys for Tots
Since 1947, the national Toys for Tots program has distributed 708 million toys to 314 million children.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program was officially established as 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity of 1991.
In 2024, the USMC 3rd ANGLICO distributed 22,945 toys to 19,125 children.
Goodyear Airship Wingfoot Three
The three Goodyear Airships feature semi-rigid construction. An airframe of aluminum and carbon fiber trusses are constructed inside the envelope and provide stability and shape for the envelope. Also, the airframe provides attachment points for the gondola and the three engines.
Wingfoot Three has visited 20 states and Canada.
Measurements: 246 ft. in length, 64 ft in width, and 57 ft. tall
The airship has three 200 horsepower engines that provide power for the propellers that can be vectored to assist with propulsion and steering.
The aft engine powers two propellers. One of the propellers supplies additional thrust and allows for increased air speeds. The other propeller provides greater maneuverability during take-offs and landings as well as during flights.
Maximum flight time is 24-40 hours depending on weather and wind conditions.
Maximum flight altitude 10,000 ft.
Maximum speed is 73 mph.
The envelope is made of polyurethane, polyester, and Tediar film with a life span of approximately 10 years.
Envelope volume is 297,527 cu. ft.
Weight without Helium is approximately 20,000 lbs.
The television camera mounted to the nose of gondola provides a 360-degree view of some of the most captivating pictures for a variety of televised events throughout the year.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Goodyear Airships.
Steve Tabor
South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.
Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com