JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD. The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, officially opened the 2012 Joint Service Open House to a crowd of thousands of "hard core" aviation enthusiasts as the General described in his own words.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation. Since then-Lieutenant Alfred Cunningham, the very first Marine Coprs aviator, enrolled in Naval Pilot training in 1912, Marine Corps aviation has existed for "one reason, and one reason only," as stated by the Commandant, "to support the young men and women on the ground fighting our nation's battles." Through his speech, General Amos told a brief history of Marine Corps aviation innovations in supporting ground forces with aircraft and techniques that brought ever more lethal and more responsive support to ground forces.
On display at the Joint Service Open House are aircraft that have flown in 72 of the 100 years of Marine Corps Aviation history. From the SBD Dauntless that flew in Navy and Marine Corps squadrons in WWII, to the newest aircraft on display, the V-22 Osprey, JSOH visitors can see a large part of Marine Corps aviation history.
This year's Joint Service Open House celebrates the Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation. JSOH affords the public an opportunity to meet the men and women of the Armed Forces while viewing more than 100 static displays and 19 aerial demonstration teams.