JBLM Air Expo 2012 two months away Published May 22, 2012 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Affairs Office JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Most air shows attract one, maybe two headline-quality performers. This year's Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo 2012, two months away at McChord Field on July 21-22, features three headline-quality acts under the same sky. The Air Expo is free and open to the general public. Gates open at 8 a.m. and flying starts at 11a.m. both days. For more information, visit the Air Expo's website at www.lewismcchordairexpo.com or look for "Joint Base Lewis McChord Air Expo 2012" on Facebook and Twitter. More than 20 aerial performers set to put on a show The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army's "Golden Knights" Parachute Team, and the civilian Patriots Jet Team head the list of more than 20 flying performers each day and more than 50 aircraft and military equipment on display. It's the single-largest event held in the history of the former McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis - now Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "I'm really excited about the show we have lined up for the great folks here in the Puget Sound area," said Lt. Col. Ira Cline, Air Expo director, from the Air Force's 62nd Airlift Wing. "It seems we have more performers, displays and events going on than ever before - this is going to be one for the record books, that's for sure." JBLM was formed when Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base merged on Oct. 1, 2010. The Army and Air Force units here have a rich history of working together - long before the concept of joint basing was born. And that history, combined with current joint operations, played a large role in the theme of Air Expo 2012 - "One Team Defending Freedom." Record Attendance Expected When one takes into consideration the quality of performers and displays lined up - plus this event would make a great "staycation" destination -- this year's Air Expo looks to shatter the 2008 total attendance record estimated at 375,000. Could this year's event really top that number? "Absolutely," the colonel said. "When you consider this is one of the last free, major family events in the area, and not to mention the tremendous military support from our surrounding communities, 375,000 to 400,000 people attending is well within reach." Another local McChord Field record the Air Expo staff is gunning to shoot down is the combined enlistment-reenlistment ceremony conducted by the Thunderbirds. According to the Air Expo staff, the Thunderbirds swore in 134 current and future Airmen at, then, McChord AFB in 2008. "We're hoping to double that," said Mr. Jonathan Harris, the deputy director for the Air Expo, from the 62nd AW. "We're working with recruiters from every branch of the military to make this a very special day of enlistment for the young men and women who choose to serve in our armed forces." And if aerobatic military and civilian aircraft, military displays and jet cars, aren't enough to knock you out, a new traveling display just may do it for you. The mammoth "Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon Nation Tour," travel trailer sponsored by the Air Force Reserve, will be on display both days at this summer's Air Expo. On Saturday, July 21st, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, will be at the truck for autographs and photos. To help make this event a success, there are still business sponsorship opportunities available to help offset the costs of the Air Expo. Businesses interested in being a part of this event can call the Air Expo 2012 office at 253-966-2256 to get more information. JBLM Air Expo 2012 website www.lewismcchordairexpo.com JBLM Air Expo 2012 Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/JBLMAirExpo