News

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo is July 17-18

  • Published
  • By Bud McKay
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo is just a month away. As the event draws nearer, the excitement level increases -- and that's just from the staff putting together the world-class aviation performance. The Expo, July 17 to 18 at McChord Field, is free and open to the public.

The cheers in the Air Expo office drown out the noise from the C-17 engines on McChord Field whenever another performer commits to attend. And lately, the noise from the office has been roaring.

"The B-2 (Spirit) stealth bomber is scheduled for a flyover on July 17, and the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft should be on July 18," said Maj. Ben Jonsson, Air Expo director.

"And we also just received confirmation we'll have two F-22 Raptors for static displays for both days of the Air Expo."

Major Jonsson said the B-2 will fly a low-level, figure-8 pattern over McChord Field on its scheduled flyover. But spectators want to ensure all eyes and cameras are ready for the U-2 scheduled flyover to view this rarely seen aircraft make its one pass.

According to Major Jonsson, the U-2 will fly what is called a "low-high" profile. That's when the U-2 will pass over the runway at low level and then scream to the heavens to go about its daily routine. Given its ceiling of 70,000 feet, you don't want to look away from one of the world's most famous reconnaissance aircraft too soon.

But spectators will have all weekend long to watch an all-star lineup of aviators and aircraft at this year's Air Expo. Gates open at 8 a.m., both days, with great opportunities to see the static display aircraft and dozens of exhibits before the flying starts at 11 a.m. If you lose track of time while lost in the amazement of seeing, and in some cases, being able to go inside, the static aircraft, you'll know when the flying does start.

The opening is an Airfield Assault Demonstration scripted like a Hollywood movie, full of special effects and explosions. The demonstration will feature McChord Field's own C-17s flown in a three-ship formation by the active-duty 62nd Airlift Wing and Air Force Reserve 446th Airlift Wing airdropping 20 jumpers from JBLM Lewis Main's 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Other aircraft involved in the demonstration will be the UH-1 Huey, A-10 Thunderbolt and AH-1S Cobra.

Detailed information about the performers and static aircraft are available on the Air Expo's website at www.lewismcchordairexpo.com.

Major Jonsson said, in addition to the performers and static aircraft, a few World War II aviation stars are expected to be on hand. They include members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the Tuskegee Airmen.

"We'll have a booth set up so people can meet these true, living heroes who broke down the barriers and obstacles and achieved greatness as World War II pilots," Major Jonsson said. "I hope I'm one of the first to be in line to get their autographs and get my picture with them."

As the event draws closer, expect to hear even more news from the Air Expo office.

"We have what is just an incredible combination of static displays, exhibits and performers," Major Jonsson said. "This Air Expo promises to be like no other we've had here or in the local area. No one attending will be disappointed."

JBLM Air Expo 2010
Aerial performers: Jacquie B, Kent Pietsch, MiG Fury, ACC Demo (A-10, F-16, F-4), Heritage Flight (F-16, F-4, A-10, F-86), Tuskegee P-51 Redtail, USO Jet Car, T-33 Ace Maker, AH-1S Cobra, B-2 Flyby (July 17), U-2 flyby (July 18), C-17 Demo, F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo, Legacy Flight (F/A-18, FJ-4U Fury), Extra 300S, and Patriots Jet Team -- the marquee act for the Air Expo.

Static Aircraft: A-10 Thunderbolt II, KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender, HC-130P King, C-5 Galaxy, E-3 AWACS Sentry, RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, T-1 Jayhawk, T-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, C-21 Learjet, C-17 Globemaster III, Stampe, Bucker, MQ1 Predator, C-130E, F-15D Eagle, UH-1 Huey, CT-114, DC-3 (FAA), MH-60 Black Hawk, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-18B (NASA) and T-34 (NASA).