Mystery Blimp in the Skies Above Newbury Park

Dennis Bronk of Newbury Park captured these shots of the “mystery blimp” floating around the skies of Newbury Park on January 27th. We posted the photos on the CVG Facebook Page at THIS LINK for feedback.

Many folks saw this mysterious, white, unmarked blimp and wondered where it was from and what it was doing. Several thought it might have something to do with the previous day’s tragic Kobe Bryant helicopter crash covering the memorial at Mamba Sports Academy. Others saw it in other places - Camarillo, Ventura, Hueneme. Someone suggested it was covering the Justin Turner Golf Tourney at Sherwood Country Club.

Then, Milt Zweig, who I know and trust, gave what I believe to be the most likely answer. He indicated it was a CNATT (Center for Naval Aviation and Technical Training) drone blimp flown out of Point Mugu. I further explored that suggestion and discovered this blimp looks quite a bit like the American Blimp MZ-3. That said, the MZ-3A was sold by the Navy in October 2017.

The mystery blimp looks a lot like this American Blimp MZ-3A picture in November 2013.