JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The roar of afterburners and smell of freedom will once again fill the skies during the Joint Base Andrews Air Show, Sept. 13-14. This year's theme, "Where Legacy Fuels the Future,” places an emphasis on the rich heritage of Andrews that continues to draw the local community in and strengthen that partnership.
Air shows have been part of military aviation since the early 20th century. In May 1920, Bolling Field in Washington, D.C., hosted its first air show under Brig. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell, featuring air races, stunt contests and aircraft assembly demonstrations.
At Andrews, the tradition began in the years following World War II. In 1947, the 4th Fighter Group performed in 16 air shows along the East Coast with the then-new P-80 Shooting Star. Two years later, President Harry S. Truman attended an air show at Andrews, where he toured a B-36A Peacemaker and observed a flyover of 16 aircraft above the White House and Capitol.
By 1957, Andrews became the permanent host of the Joint Service Open House, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators annually.
Attendance peaked in 1995, with nearly one million visitors over three days.
Following a pause after 2013 budget reductions, the air show returned in 2015 with a renewed focus on Air Force–specific anniversaries and was rescheduled for September.
The most recent show in 2022 marked the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.
The event included aerial demonstrations, a Heritage Hangar honoring Air Force pioneers, and interactive science, technology, engineering, arts and math exhibits for more than 6,000 students.
“The air show is more relevant than ever,” said Sarah A. Barksdale, 316th Wing historian. “For many spectators, this is the first and most prominent interaction they have had with the military, making it a vital opportunity to bridge a widening civilian-military gap.”
As the next air show approaches in less than a month, Andrews will once again showcase the aircraft, Airmen and history that inspire future generations of air and space power.