Air Expo thunders to life July 17-18 Published July 16, 2010 By Bud McKay JBLM PA JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Attack is imminent. Unaware and unprepared, the personnel on the airfield go about their routines. Just hours before, an Air Force Combat Control Team silently parachuted nearby and, under the concealment of darkness, secured vantage points around the airfield to conduct radio communications and guidance commands to incoming aircraft. People scramble to figure out what they are seeing appear over the horizon. An alarm sounds. It's too late! An A-10 attack airplane, flying low to the deck, comes out of nowhere and strafes the runway...fire, smoke, explosions and chaos ensue. As the mountains of flames boil and thunder roars from explosions, a path is cleared for the Army UH-1 helicopter just seconds away with troops ready to hit the ground. Another A-10, coupled with suppressive fire from an attack helicopter - the Army's AH-1S Cobra - ensures the ground forces have cover required to operate. After the initial seizure, those same ground forces are quickly running out of supplies. To their aid, three gigantic Air Force C-17s Globemaster III aircraft arrive, loaded with essential equipment, provisions and ammunition. The C-17s airdrop eight pallets and scores of Army Rangers who parachute from low altitude to reinforce those already on the ground. In a matter of minutes, it's all over. Yet the action is really just about to start. This simulated airfield attack and seizure is the opening sequence of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo 2010, July 17-18, at McChord Field. Gates open at 8 a.m., and flying starts at 11 a.m. both days. Combined with the world's greatest military aircraft performing and an all-star-lineup of civilian aerial acts, it's non-stop action in the sky when the flying starts! On the ground, meet pioneering aviators, like original Tuskegee Airmen, and see dozens of informative and exciting displays in between visiting any one of our 30 food vendors! JBLM Air Expo 2010 is one of the last free, major events in the greater Puget Sound area that the whole family can enjoy. "We have an incredible combination of static displays, exhibits and performers," said Maj. Ben Jonsson, Air Expo director. "This Air Expo promises to be like no other we've had here or in the local area. No one attending will be disappointed." Gate Access: Visitors can use one of two gates - the McChord Field "Main Gate," off of I-5, and the "Barnes Gate" on the eastern-side of McChord Field. Detailed directions are available on the Air Expo's website: www.lewismcchordairexpo.com or over the phone at 253-982-EXPO. Once guests arrive at McChord Field, they will be directed where to park. In some cases, military busses will shuttle people from parking lots to the entry control points of the Air Expo. Bus Transportation: For those who wish to take advantage of free, public transportation to get to and from the Air Expo, Pierce Transit has two routes available and will deliver the riders to one of the entry control points at the Air Expo. The first is behind the Target Store at the Lakewood Towne Center. The second is at the new Lakewood Sounder Station at 11424 Pacific Highway, S.W. Pierce Transit busses will run every 15 minutes, between those locations, and the Air Expo starting from 7:30 a.m. until everyone is gone, according to Jim Schuster, an assistant supervisor with Pierce Transit. Although, they won't take anyone to the Air Expo once the Patriot Jet Team, the final flying act, takes off at roughly 2:30 p.m. Mr. Schuster said during Air Expo 2008, more than 14,000 fares, about 7,000 people, took advantage of the free bus ride. This year's Air Expo has a lot to live up to as the 2008 event drew a record crowd. But that also provided a great resource on lessons learned to make the 2010 show even better. "Traffic flow and parking are key areas we're trying to improve," Major Jonsson said. "We're planning out very detailed designs to come up with the best flow possible. The other major areas we're planning very thoroughly are in services and safety. We are turning a part of the airfield into a 'mini-Air City' with the services to meet peoples' needs as well as ensuring it's safe and accessible for our community guests." Restrictions (items that should not be brought onto the base): While the event is open to the public, restrictions to enter a Department of Defense installation still apply. The base is open to anyone who has not been convicted of a felony or who does not have any current wants or warrants. No weapons whatsoever are allowed - those include people who have concealed weapons permits. A detailed list of prohibited items can also be found on the Expo's website. For security purposes, random identification and safety checks will be conducted at the entry control points for the Air Expo. While the "official" 2008 record crowd was 377,616, the actual number of visitors for the weekend was actually 377,618. However, since two babies were born on McChord Field moments after the Air Expo ended, they didn't actually go through the turnstiles before the Air Expo. They did however, receive first class care from first responders and emergency medical personnel. "While we'd like everyone to come out and spend their weekend with us as we say thanks for your tremendous community support," Major Jonsson said, "it would be best if you're nine months pregnant, to entertain possibly less exciting options." For more information about the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo 2010, please contact Bud McKay, JBLM Public Affairs, 253-967-0604.