JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., - Joint operations were underscored here this weekend as thousands of civilians gathered at the 2010 Joint Service Open House to get a closer look at the military’s best aircraft and vehicles and the servicemembers who operate and maintain them.
Lt. Gen. Philip Breedlove, deputy chief of staff for Air Force operations, plans and requirements, was the guest speaker for the opening ceremony this morning. “Hopefully, I am here today welcoming future soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who will be inspired by what they see out here,” he said.
The open house theme of "United in Strength" was fitting, Breedlove said. “Look around you this morning,” he said. “We're hosted by an Air Force wing with Navy F-18s in the background and we watched the 82nd Airborne jump out of a Marine KC-130. No one service can do what we require of our military alone, and each must contribute to today’s fight.”
Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing which hosted the event, noted that it is the Defense Department’s largest Joint Service Open House, and was distinguished this year by the 100th anniversary of military aviation.
The annual open house provides the public an opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women of the armed forces. Active duty, reserve, veterans and civilian employees come together to make the three-day air show a success.
“It's definitely something I'm proud to do,” said Marine Corps Maj. David Persons, who came from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., with a CH-53E Sea Stallion. “It's a rare opportunity to broaden your perspective on our aviation ability across the services and it lets the public know what we do. Just to see the smile on the children's faces makes it worth coming here.”
Highlights of the air show included performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Static displays from every service, including the Navy’s MH-53 Sea Dragon, the Marine Corps AH-IW Super Cobra and the Air Force F-15, as well as vintage war planes, covered the flightline for tours and photo opportunities.