SUMAS, Wash. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations at the Sumas Port of Entry cleared the iconic Goodyear blimp Spirit of Innovation ground crew while also taking in views of the blimp circling overhead. The Spirit of Innovation was cleared at its first port of arrival by Bellingham Airport CBP officers at Arlington Municipal Airport on July 10 after having launched from Abbotsford International Airport in British Columbia.
The Spirit of Innovation was followed by a crew of more than 20 men and women in seven vehicles. CBP has not processed a Goodyear blimp from Canada for nine years. Multiple ports within the Sumas area of operation worked together to seamlessly process the return of the blimp and crew.
"I’m glad that CBP personnel were able to facilitate the entry of the Goodyear blimp and its support crew; this emblematic component is a key representation of United States culture and history," said acting Blaine Area Port Director J. Rene Ortega. "It is a great honor to be part of something that brings smiles, excitement and pleasant memories to people of all ages."