Air Expo 2010 a unified effort Published May 5, 2010 By Bud McKay JBLM Public Affairs JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The opening of Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Air Expo 2010, held July 17 and 18 at JBLM McChord Field, is being scripted like a Hollywood movie. Luckily, that script isn't being guarded like a top-secret military document. With the excitement of a screenwriter pitching his first-ever script to producers, Maj. Ben Jonsson, air expo director, promises the opening of the air expo is going to be "explosive." "It will be a combination of Air Force and Army members working together to demonstrate a full-fledged airfield assault," Major Jonsson said. "An A-10 'Warthog' will demonstrate Air Force firepower simulating strafing the field, followed by Air Force special operators and Army personnel rappelling from helicopters or jumping out of a three-ship C-17 formation." Add special effects on the ground -- explosives, simulated ground fire and smoke -- and the general public will get just a taste of the precision the two military powers train and fight with. That's the whole reason for the air expo -- to demonstrate to the general public the expertise in military training the Airmen and Soldiers from the joint base possess, and to thank the community for its support. The air expo is free and open to the general public. Gates open at 8 a.m., and the flying begins at 10:30 a.m. "Together, we get a chance to show that we give the nation a real, world-class military force -- not just separate units -- but a truly strong joint capability," Jonsson said. Expecting a weekend crowd of about 300,000, the air expo will be the joint base's largest event of the year. Major Jonsson said there will be scores of aircraft and other static displays for folks to enjoy, as well as food, souvenirs and services. In the air, the sky will be alive with some of the top military and civilian pilots in the country. The marquee act for this year's air expo is the Patriots Jet Team. The Patriots Jet Team's L-39s electrify spectators with fast-paced formation flying, choreographed four-ship diamond formation aerobatic maneuvers and their signature "Tail Slide," where the aircraft actually slide backwards toward the ground, something not performed by any other jet demonstration team. Of course, the home team's C-17 Globemaster III will put on its impressive tactical demonstration in addition to the opening three-ship formation. A Navy F-18 will put on its ear-rattling tactical demonstration as it teeters on the edge of the sound barrier right in front of the spectators. An Air Force U-2 will make a rare cameo appearance in an airshow and perform a flyover. For history buffs, the Air Force Heritage Flight features an A-10, F-4 Phantom, F-86 and possibly a P-51. The Navy Legacy flight will feature the F-18 and the F4J Fury. The F4J Fury will also be in dual roles as it will be in an incredible MiG-17F and MiG-15 versus F4J dogfight demonstration as part of "MiG Fury." "We're also honoring some great World War II pioneers in American military aviation," said Major Jonsson. "We have members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military airmen, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots attending. These heroes and heroines are living history. What an honor to have them at the air expo." There are some "lighter acts" performing, as well. Bill Braack, who retired from McChord's Air Force Reserve, will race his USO Jet Car against a T-33 in a duel of jet-engine power. Also, Kent Pietsch flies a comedy act, which includes a variety of critical aircraft components "falling off" his 1942 Interstate Cadet airplane -- in mid-air. "We literally have something for everyone," Major Jonsson said. This year's air expo has a lot to live up to, as the 2008 event drew a record 377,616 people. 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 on," Major Jonsson said. "We're planning out very detailed designs to come up with the best flow that we can. 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 and needs people have as well as ensuring it is safe and accessible for our community guests." As with any major event, there are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available to help offset the costs of the air expo. Businesses interested in being a part of this free, major family event can call the air expo office at 982-6026 to get more information. The air expo's website should be up and running on Saturday. The site is located at www.lewismcchordairexpo.com.