Faces behind the Joint Base Andrews Air Show

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Dreier, a C-40B pilot with the 89th Airlift Wing who serves as the Joint Base Andrews air show operations officer, leads the team that plans and executes aerial operations for the event. Dreier and his team oversee aerial and static displays and ensure the show aligns with the theme, “Where Legacy Fuels the Future.” Meeting Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations and managing airspace are top priorities.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Alex Beaussart, KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft pilot with the 459th Air Refueling Wing, serves as a liaison between the 459th and the 316th Wing for the Andrews Air Show, coordinating support for the event. The 459th will showcase the KC-135 through flyovers and static displays. Working closely with the host wing, Beaussart ensures ramp space, jet missions and operations are managed efficiently to support the air show while maintaining training and mission readiness.

Ashley Fleischer, airfield manager with the 113th Operations Support Squadron, oversees the D.C. National Guard’s contributions to the Andrews Air Show. She coordinated static displays featuring F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and supported the opening flyover with a C-40B and F-16. Her team ensures Army and Air Guard elements are seamlessly integrated into the event.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Desiree Maestas, 316th Inspector General superintendent, left, and Tech. Sgt. James Chiriboga Flor, section chief of complaint and resolutions, both assigned to 316th Wing Inspector General, play key roles in supporting the air show’s performers. Chiriboga Flor’s team manages transportation, lodging and the welcome party. Maestas’s team ensures that all units under her guidance operate smoothly and deliver their requirements on time.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Donald Armond, heavy equipment superintendent with the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron, leads coordination of both science, technology, engineering, arts and math, or STEAM, and non-STEAM exhibits for the Andrews Air Show. Armond and his team curate a dynamic mix of hands-on activities and outreach displays, featuring organizations such as NASA, the Smithsonian, military recruiters, state police and local community partners. This year’s lineup includes 40% base mission exhibits and 60% community-focused participants from across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Haselden, left, the noncommissioned officer in charge of outbound cargo with the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Capt. Robert Ramirez, right, a UH-1N Huey helicopter instructor pilot with the 316th Operational Support Squadron, serve as volunteer committee leads for the Andrews Air Show. They coordinate volunteer manpower across concession booths and support roles, ensuring coverage and care. From booster club collaboration to real-time coordination during the event, the duo ensures all volunteers are fed, supported and mission-ready. Experiencing their first Andrews Air Show, both are eager to contribute and help shape future events. 

Brittni Dobson, lead commercial sponsorship coordinator with the 316th Force Support Squadron, leads the team responsible for managing sponsorships and advertising for the Andrews Air Show. She secures funding from community partners that makes attractions such as the Kid Zone, vintage warbirds and flying acts possible. Sponsor support contributes to showstopping experiences for guests throughout the event. 

Benjamin Reid, deputy flight chief for projects, plans and agreements with the 744th Communications Squadron, and U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ivan Carrasco, cyber security officer in charge, power the Andrews Air Show’s communications network from the ground up. Together, they deliver networks, radios, public address systems and commercial internet to keep volunteers and guests connected. By gathering requirements and coordinating technical support, they ensure smooth and reliable communication across the event.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Caleb Boone, deputy operations flight commander with the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron and ground boss for the Andrews Air Show, oversees behind-the-scenes logistics to keep the event running smoothly. From security and ramp layouts to local agency coordination, Boone ensures all moving parts stay synchronized. This year, he and his team redesigned the aerobatic box for the Thunderbirds, adjusted ramp space for new aircraft and coordinated road closures with community partners.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Stauffer, noncommissioned officer in charge of pest management with the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron and a plumber by trade, leads pest control efforts and supports environmental operations for the Andrews Air Show. From securing airfield burn permits with state agencies to finalizing memorandums of agreement, Stauffer has gone beyond his primary duties. His adaptability and expertise make him a key asset across multiple planning teams. 

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Stanislav Barilov, 316th Security Support Squadron operations and logistic officer, leads the planning and execution of security, traffic management and parking for the air show, safeguarding more than 100,000 expected visitors. With hundreds of defenders on the ground, the team ensures thorough screening, background checks and coordination with on- and off-base partners to protect everyone. The massive effort showcases the defenders’ professionalism and the Air Force’s readiness throughout all three days of the event.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Julius Jackson, ground operations lead with the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron, oversees preparations for ground operations ahead of the Andrews Air Show. His responsibilities include optimizing the ramp layout, implementing security measures and managing transportation logistics to Joint Base Andrews. Jackson also ensures the safety of all patrons and air show performers throughout the event.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Davis, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommission officer in charge of execution support, provides updates on visuals for air show facilitators. Davis and his team updates maps for groups such as first responders and parking crews and oversee the accuracy of public maps distributed to attendees. Maps intended for public dissemination are reviewed by Davis to ensure accuracy and protect operational security.