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AFWiP, 2008 McGuire Air Expo planning underway

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Team McGuire personnel are diligently working to prepare for the upcoming Air Force Week in Philadelphia and 2008 McGuire Air Expo.
 
AFWiP will consist of a variety of events throughout the city from May 26 to June 2. The 2008 McGuire Air Expo will be held here May 31 and June 1.
 
"Efforts for AFWiP are in full swing as members of the McGuire executive committee continue to confirm venues throughout the week of May 26-June 2," said Christine Pons, 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs deputy chief and AFWiP executive committee member. "Key communicators from Team McGuire are reaching out to civic influencers in the tri-state area to garner support and participation from surrounding communities for these exciting events."
 
AFWiP will kick-off with the annual United Veterans Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade May 26 with total force Airmen and assets being highlighted during the event at 10 a.m., followed by an "Air Force Showcase" at the Bridesburg Recreation Center. The public can experience the Air Force's capabilities with demonstrations and displays that will include the Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot, military working dog demonstrations, the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard Falconer and more. 

Later that night, "Air Force Day" with the Philadelphia Phillies will highlight Airmen before and during a major league baseball game when they play the Colorado Rockies at 7:05 p.m. Several displays will be available to the attendees outside the stadium to include, the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band that will host a free concert there (they will also perform at various venues throughout the week in Philadelphia). The game will start with a flyover and displays showcased by the Air Force NASCAR and the "Do Something Amazing" demonstration trailer. 

From May 26 to May 30, the Franklin Institute will showcase the U.S. Air Force's total force capabilities and assets on its front lawn from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Military vehicles, static displays and a number of demonstrations will feature the capabilities, strength and power of total force Airmen. Active-duty, Reserve and Guard Airmen will also be present to explain the Air Force's rich history, capabilities and technological advances.
 
Several other events are scheduled to take place during AFWiP, including an outdoor concert at Independence Hall May 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Air Force Day at the Philadelphia Zoo all day May 27; "Fighting for Life" movie and commentary with the director May 27, 5:30 p.m., at The University of the Arts; and Global Presence at The Liberty Museum all day May 29. 

"We truly hope activities during Air Force Week in Philadelphia will strengthen our partnerships within the Philadelphia-metro region," Ms. Pons said. "This week gives us an opportunity to show-off the power of today's Air Force and, most importantly, Team McGuire's dedication to mission excellence. We want to invite everyone out to join us in strengthening relationships with the communities we serve." 

The 2008 McGuire Air Expo will kick-off May 31 with a wreath-laying ceremony here at 10:15 a.m. 

"This air expo gives us an opportunity to give back to our communities and thank them for their unwavering support to Team McGuire," said Angel Lopez, 305 AMW PA community relations chief. "We encourage everyone to tell and bring their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to the 2008 McGuire Air Expo. The two-day event promises to be an exciting time for all and most importantly - it's free." 

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline this year's air expo. Other performances will include the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Tactical Demonstration, the U.S. Navy F/A-18C/D Hornet Tactical Demonstration, the U.S. Air Force P-51 Heritage Flight and more. McGuire's own KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker will also perform. 

Several static displays will also be set up, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Viper, B-1 Lancer, T-28 Trojan and many others. 

With an estimated 300,000 people expected to attend the air expo alone, many things need to be coordinated. Many organizations here, as well as personnel from Fort Dix, Lakehurst, and the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol, are diligently working to ensure successful events. 

At McGuire, units like the 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron are arranging transportation to and from the flightline for spectators during the air expo; the 305th Security Forces Squadron is preparing for the air expo in a number of ways, including continuous training with its military working dogs, while working with state and local authorities to ensure the safety of all those attending the show; and the 305th Services Squadron is an essential player in marketing for AFWiP and the 2008 McGuire Air Expo.
 
More information about AFWiP and the 2008 Air Expo will continue to be provided. Visit www.airforceweekinphiladelphia.com and www.mcguireairexpo.info for up-to-date information. Videos featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the filming of public service announcements can also be found online. A paper supplement, including bus routes and schedules of events for AFWiP and the air expo will be provided in upcoming issues of the Warrior Spirit.