JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
When the skies over the nation’s capital roar during the 2025 Joint Base Andrews Air Show Sept. 13-14, security on the ground will be just as precise as the aerial maneuvers above.
That’s why the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) is calling on everyone attending this year’s JB Andrews Air Show to keep their eyes open and report anything suspicious, pointing to evolving global threats and the power of community vigilance.
According to Special Agent Darren Canlas, Det. 331 commander, suspicious activity is not always obvious. Even seemingly minor actions, like unusual photography of security points or someone loitering near restricted zones, should be reported.
When making a report, the SALUTE method can help capture key details: size of the group, activity, location, uniform or identifying markings, time of observation and equipment involved.
AFOSI, working alongside the 316th Security Forces and partner agencies at the federal, state and local levels, will be actively monitoring the air show.
“Although our Defenders make a powerful team alongside AFOSI, security is everyone’s mission,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Marriner, 316th SFS commander, whose unit is responsible for base defense. “If you’re at the air show and see something that doesn’t feel right, tell us immediately. Acting quick ensures the event is safe for everyone attending.”
Officials say their priority is protecting service members, families, guests and mission-critical assets.
“This is one of the largest public events we host, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Special Agent Darren Canlas, Det. 331 commander. “Our presence, both seen and unseen, is part of a coordinated effort with our partners at every level to protect our service members, families and guests.”
The two-day event, themed “Where Legacy Fuels the Future,” is expected to draw tens of thousands for aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays and performances from teams including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, C-17 East Coast Demonstration Team and the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
According to the U.S. Intelligence Community’s 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, risks to national security include state and non-state actors targeting U.S. citizens, infrastructure, military capabilities and technology.
Canlas said that large public events displaying advanced aircraft, equipment and personnel, like the JB Andrews Air Show, will require heightened vigilance to guard against these evolving threats.
While the focus is on celebration and heritage, AFOSI officials say large public gatherings also present security risks that require a collective effort to deter.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe,” Canlas said. “That means making sure tips come in quickly, get to the right people and are acted on.”
During the air show, the fastest way to do that is to report concerns in person to the nearest uniformed security member or event staff. Attendees can also call or submit a tip online, but “when seconds matter, find someone right away,” he said.
This proactive security posture was recently on display internationally when AFOSI led a fully integrated, joint-service counterintelligence team at the 2025 Paris Air Show, the largest air and space exhibition in the world.
Working alongside U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, U.S. Naval Forces Europe–Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet and French security forces, AFOSI personnel in France safeguarded U.S. personnel, defense technology and strategic platforms across 130 football fields of exhibition space.
“Events like [the Paris Air Show] give our adversaries opportunities to get close to U.S. and allied personnel and hardware,” said Special Agent Aaron Yardley, AFOSI Special Agent in Charge for the Paris mission. “That’s why standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners is essential for keeping people and equipment safe.”
In the end, “security is everyone’s mission,” he added. “If you see something that doesn’t seem right, no matter how small, report it. Your tip could be the piece that helps us stop a serious incident before it happens. Our goal is an unforgettable weekend of celebrating airpower, with zero incidents. With everyone’s cooperation, we’ll make that happen.”
Reports of suspicious activity can be made to base security at 301-981-2001 or submitted online at www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-tip/. In an emergency or immediate threat situation, call 911.
Related links
DNI: 2025 Annual Threat Assessment
Information: 2025 JB Andrews Air Show
AFOSI: Eagle Eyes