JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
More than 2,000 Team Andrews members partnered to exemplify this year's theme, "United in Strength" and make this year's Joint Service Open House a success.
Servicemembers worked in functional areas ranging from from security forces, logistics readiness, civil engineer, air traffic control, medical, and many more.
"The superb outcome of this year's JSOH was testimony to the way that our great Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians excel together daily as a joint team at the "President's Base" in support and defense of the National Capital Region, and in combat and relief operations throughout the world," said Col. Steven Shepro, 316th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander.
"As commander of the 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews, it has been humbling to receive the many accolades for our joint team and for this event; they have poured in from among the estimated two-hundred thousand attendees throughout the three-day air show."
Security was one which included 400 Soldiers, 300 Sailors, and 100 Marines," said Capt. Christopher R. Robinson, 316th Security Forces Squadron, operations officer.
One might think with all of the added bodies and the stresses of an air show, chaos would emerge. However, Team Andrews adapted and overcame obstacles set in its path.
"Transient Alert was instrumental during aircraft reception, parking locations, and departure. TA personnel were able to expediently devise a plan for hangaring aircraft prior to the arrival of inclement weather the evening of May 14," said Capt. Matthew J. Hopkins, 316th Operations Support Squadron, airfield operations flight commander. "Additionally, Andrews air traffic controllers worked to minimize any delays, worked around weather as best as possible, and to get the aircraft on their way."
"When transportation began to falter (due to an accident on the highway), the JSOH security team flexed to maintain the safety of the crowd through information dissemination and supplying water. All while responding to multiple medical emergencies, and lost family members," Captain Robinson said. "The JSOH security team never lost control or composure."