2008 Joint Service Open House

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. — The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels will take to the skies over the national capital region as part of the 2008 Joint Service Open House here Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

As Germany and the United States commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in 2008, the JSOH opening ceremony will include presentations by the German Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Klaus Scharioth; the Honorable Michael Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force and Col. (Ret.) Gail Halvorsen, the famous "Candy Bomber." The opening ceremony starts Saturday at 10 a.m. at show center. 

The three-day JSOH honors servicemembers and showcases the technology that makes America the world's premiere military power. Over 125 current and vintage military and civilian aircraft will be on display and in the skies. Ground activities will offer something for the entire audience -- from aircraft simulators and military displays, to food and fun throughout the flight line area. 

In addition, The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's premier parachute demonstration team, will also be performing. These professionals do their best work at 12,500 feet above the earth's surface, racing to the ground at speeds in excess of 120 mph. The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22A, will also take to the skies to show its speed and agility. 

Berlin Airlift Anniversary Themed events will include a heritage fly-over and displays that tell the story of the Airlift, one of the greatest military airlift operations of all time. 

The general public is invited on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors must park at FED EX Field or the Branch Avenue Metro and take free shuttle buses to Andrews. Friday is reserved for Department of Defense personnel, school-sponsored children, invited guests and credentialed media. 

For additional information, call the JSOH Hotline at 301-981-4600 or e-mail: 316wg.pa@andrews.af.mil.

FOR MEDIA ONLY:
Official credentialed media members are invited to attend on Friday from 1-5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit www.jsoh.org for additional information. The Joint Information Bureau (JIB) will be available with staff to answer questions and facilitate stories and photo opportunities.

The German Embassy's 'FRIENDS ALWAYS' Airlift Anniversary campaign brings events to various US military installations (www.germany.info/airlift). For more information contact the German Embassy's Press Department, Enrico Brandt, at 202-298-4246 or e-mail: enrico.brandt@diplo.de.