“The blimp’s historic appearance at Sail 4th 250 is the fourth time it’s flown over an Operation Sail event. It was a fixture at the first celebration in 1964, America’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Now, it returns to provide aerial coverage in celebration of America’s 250th,” Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today.

To get the best views of New York Harbor, the Goodyear Blimp will base its operations in Brooklyn, marking the first time in 50 years the airship will be not just in the sky around New York City, but also on the ground.

This is also a marketing opportunity for the blimp as an aerial ambassador for Goodyear, which has called the United States home for more than 125 years and is now the only U.S.-based major tire manufacturer. “For more than half the history of the United States, Goodyear science has contributed not only to the success of the American automotive industry by producing tires worth bragging about but also to the protection of the country through military service, including blimps that helped ensure the safety of the Navy,” said Julianne Roberts, Senior Director, Marketing.