Andrews Air Force Base hosts Joint Service Open House

This weekend, Andrews Air Force Base held the Joint Service Open House. Friday was only open to the Department of Defense and their families, including school groups and media while Saturday and Sunday were open to the public. The event was free and in previous years has attracted almost half a million people in a weekend.















This year, in conjunction with displays of military machinery and aerial performances from numerous groups including the Navy Blue Angels, the event was also held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Citing the events program, it stated "1948: American servicemen and their allies save more than two million people in the city of Berlin with the airlift. A friendship is reborn. Today: More than 15 million Americans have lived in Germany while they or their family members served in the U.S. military. The friendship endures."

The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team was also took part in the weekend, however on Friday due to inclement weather, their performance was canceled. Battling the weather the entire day, the Blue Angels decided to take to the air to give their much anticipated performance. Not only was the aerial show amazing, the precision of their take-off procedures and landing procedures was incredible; that in itself was a show. With a highly trained ground crew, the Blue Angels took to the air to entertain the crowd. First they began by making passes head on at each other. Some of these passes were made with one plane upside down and one right side up, while some of the passes ere made with both planes turning ninety degrees as they approached each other, avoiding collision by what seemed to be a hair length. Next, the six Blue Angel fighters performed stunts as a group, at times surprising the crowd as to which direction they were coming from. The show, completely narrated by a fellow Blue Angel, was done by heart and with his back to the actual performance and was truly a show that I think will be remembered by all in attendance.

There were planes and military machinery on display from the World War II era to today. With mostly planes on the tarmac that are still in use, this was truly a unique air show as it had current and modern
aircraft ranging from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. Most of the crowd in attendance at the Friday show were Department of Defense personnel. After having a conversation with a long-time vendor of the show, he informed me that the Friday shows used to be attended by Congressional members and high-ranking members of the government as a display of the Department of Defense's work and military power. Now he says the show is mostly attended by civilians and military enthusiasts and not so much my government officials. Irregardless, the show is overall a tribute to the military and a show of respect to those who serve in the armed forces. It is a chance for personnel to show a glimpse of what the military is about and is truly an amazing experience.

For more photos and details please visit our Flickr site and jsoh.org