Witnessing Pacific airpower: Andersen to hold international open house Feb. 20

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Andersen Air Force Base celebrates the return of the Pacific Air Partners Open House Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event will include multiple aircraft static displays and flyovers, ground demonstrations, live bands, and much more. The open house aims to enhance public awareness of the military's mission, equipment, facilities and personnel and to promote positive community relations.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity again,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, the 36 Wing commander. “The work our service members do every day wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding support we receive from the surrounding island community.”

Those attending will also have the chance to talk to Andersen AFB’s outstanding Airmen and gain a better understanding of Air Force operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“Aircraft roaring across the runway are always a crowd favorite and an impressive display of pacific airpower capabilities,” said Maj. Gordon Beran, the 36th Maintenance Squadron commander. “But we also hope people will find time to meet and greet with the service members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to get these magnificent machines off the ground.”

The open house is one of the few times the base is open to the public. Taking place in conjunction with exercise Cope North 2016, the 36th Wing will also host Airmen and aircraft from Japan, and Australia.

"The Pacific Air Partners Open House is a meeting of some of the most-skilled aviators throughout the Pacific," Toth said. "It's a great way to showcase the amazing things our Airmen do and the capabilities of some of the world's strongest air forces. We hope everyone will make plans to come out and join us."

In addition to military displays, entertainment will also include a kids’ zone, zip line and musical performances of Full Sprectrum, Rumblefish and the Chris Walker Band.

Visitors are required to carry official photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, and will enter base via the main gate on Marine Corps Drive. Security personnel will be stationed throughout the base to guide visitors to designated parking areas near the festivities. Handicapped parking will be available.

For safety reasons, smoking is strictly prohibited on the airfield. Likewise, animals will not be allowed on the flightline and should not be left in cars during the event, as heat injuries will likely occur in animals who are left in vehicles unattended. Open house attendees are also advised to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and take frequent breaks in shaded tents to avoid heat-related injuries.

Visitors will enter through a security screening and are asked to leave coolers, large bags or weapons of any kind at home.

“Safety is at the forefront of planning and teams are working diligently to ensure both Airmen and community members are safe,” said Capt. Marc Stanco 36th Security Forces Squadron operations and training officer. “We hope everybody comes out to see what Team Andersen and its international allies are all about and to enjoy a day with us on the flightline.”

Additional information is available on http://www.andersen.af.mil/PacificAirPartnersOpenHouse.aspx and the dedicated Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacificairpartners.

For media interested in covering the event, please contact the 36th Wing Public Affairs office at 366-2228 or at 36WG.PA2@us.af.mil.