By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis, Naval Air Facility Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (NNS) -- As the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team roared overhead, more than 79,000 visitors at the Joint Service Open House stood in awe at the spectacle at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington on May 15 and 16.
The two-day event kicked off with opening comments from Lt. Gen. Phillip M. Breedlove, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington. Steven Shepro, commander 316th Wing and Installation Commander of Joint Base Andrews, and the national anthem being sung by Ms. Brook Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009.
"This air show is a way to thank the community in the Washington capital region for all the support that they give all the branches of the military," said Capt. Timothy Fox, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility, Washington. "It's special because of the fact that it hosts every branch and presents an air show that highlights the power and projection of the U.S. military."
The Joint Service Open House at Andrews showcased aerial performers from all branches of the military services, as well as civilian stunt pilots and dozens of ground displays.
Other aerial highlight included the Army's Golden Knights parachute team, an Air Force F-22 Raptor and a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier.
The Blue Angels generally alternate with the Air Force Thunderbirds for the open house, which has been held nearly every year since the 1940s.
This was the first Joint Service Open House conducted by Team Andrews members at the newly minted Joint Base Andrews, underscoring the essential nature of joint operations in today's military.