United States Transportation Command

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (USTCNS) --- The 2002 Joint Services Open House will be held May 17 for Department of Defense ID holders and their accompanied guests and May 18 for the general public. The theme for the 2002 JSOH is "United for Freedom."

The JSOH air show will feature performances by the Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, and the Army's parachute team, the Golden Knights. In addition, to a Marine Corps Harrier demonstration, a large variety of other aircraft and equipment will be on static display, including Army tanks and assets, a Navy Seal boat and various Air Force aircraft to name a few.

"We are truly looking forward to this opportunity to host the open house," said Brig. Gen. Glenn F. Spears, 89th Airlift Wing commander. "We have planned, and will provide, additional security measures, but nothing we feel is too obtrusive or will get between the American public and their military."

May 17, DoD cardholders and their accompanied guests will be admitted on Andrews through the Main and Virginia Gates.

Due to increased security measures, the public will have two options for gaining access to the base May 18 -- they may either catch a bus from FedEx Field (Redskin's stadium) or from the Branch Avenue Metro station.

The Maryland Department of Transportation will provide free buses from the Branch Avenue Metro station to Andrews from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Andrews will provide free buses from FedEx Field, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Passengers will be dropped off and picked up directly on the flight line.

For both days, static displays will be open at 8 a.m., aerial events start at 10 a.m., and the JSOH ends at 4 p.m.

Air show patrons will not be allowed to carry coolers or large bags onto the flight line. Additionally, food and beverages are not permitted. Both will be available for purchase; water will be provided at no cost.

"For the past two years, coolers have not been permitted in the show area," said Col. Mike Wyka, 89th Airlift Wing director of staff and DoD chairman for the JSOH committee. "They could possibly conceal objects which could be used to create a disturbance or harm others."

Wyka added that allowing coolers this year would necessitate additional screening by security personnel, which would slow down the flow of visitors to the event.

Only umbrellas, diaper bags, strollers, small waist pouches, small purses, camera bags, binoculars, cameras, portable chairs and special dietary food in small containers will be allowed.

All items will be searched prior to patrons entering the air show area.

"The primary reason we are having the air show is to let the American public connect with the military," said Spears. "By attending the show, they show their support for the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who are fighting the war on terrorism."

For more information, visit the Andrews Web site at www.andrews.af.mil and go to the JSOH link. JSOH updates and information can also be accessed by calling the JSOH Information Line at 301-981-4600.

(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Andrews is hosting joint service open house

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