New Goodyear blimp gives lift to Ohio woman, 76, who named it

The newest addition to the Goodyear's blimp fleet gave a lift to the woman who came up with its name.

The Akron Beacon Journal (http://bit.ly/1u3SMe3) reports the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. gave 76-year-old Charlotte White a ride Friday in the blimp that will help replace the company's aging fleet.

White won the airship naming contest with her entry of "Wingfoot One." Akron-based Goodyear's corporate symbol is the Wingfoot, invoking Mercury, the speedy Roman god of commerce, trade and messages.

The Akron woman said the smooth flight from Goodyear's blimp base in northeastern Ohio was like riding in a boat.

She acknowledged being nervous before going on the flight with her husband and her church pastor. She said they held hands and prayed for a safe flight and "good pilots."

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Information from: Akron Beacon Journal, http://www.ohio.com