JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 2012 Joint Service Open House and Air Show kicked off May 18 at Joint Base Andrews, Md., celebrating the milestone of 100 years of Marine Corps Aviation.
More than 100 static displays are slated to be present during this year's air show and NASA's Super Guppy is one of the most unique.
"It's an event every time we go places," said David Elliott, a flight engineer and project manager for the Super Guppy. "It's a part of history and fun to be a part of."
The unusual design was originated in 1961 for carrying Saturn Booster Rockets during the Cold War, Elliot said. This replaced the old method of shipping by barges and cut the travel time of the rockets from three weeks to three days.
This is the first year NASA has brought the Super Guppy since the JSOH's inception in 1957. This gives visitors a rare chance to see the aircraft up close for the duration of the air show. The air show will be open to the public May 19-20 and a five-member crew will be at the display to show visitors the aircraft's functions and to answer questions.
"It's one of a kind and the only one flying," said Bob Coyne, an aircraft mechanic for the Super Guppy. "NASA is the only one that has it."