U.S. Air Force mission on display at 2008 expo
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The 305th Air Mobility Wing will host the 2008McGuireAir Expo onMay 31 and June 1 at McGuire Air Force Base, Wrightstown. The show is free and open to the public.

The two-day event, "Above All … Be Inspired,"will culminateAir ForceWeek and feature performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and by F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor air demonstration teams.

The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper East and the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet demonstration teams will be on hand for the public's viewing.

Current and former military aircraft, including the base's own KC-10 Extender, the KC-135 Stratotanker and a C-17 Globemaster III, will also be on display.

"Our aircraft are phenomenal, but people make the real difference," said 305th Air Mobility Wing commander Col. BalanAyyar. "Our airmen are on the front lines in the global war on terrorism."

Ayyar said the air expo is an opportunity to celebrate America's airmen, their accomplishments and the U.S. Air Force.

"It is a privilege to demonstrate our enduring commitment to mission excellence, developing leaders and preserving resources and at the same time inspiring young men and women toward service," the commander said. "This is also our way of saying thanks for the wonderful support our region provides our airmen and their families."

Gates at the air force base will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with performances from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Static displays will be open all day. Admission and parking are free. Base officials expect more than 300,000 guests to attend.

McGuire is home to two active-dutyAir Force wings, one Air Force Reserve wing, one Air National Guard wing and an Expeditionary Mobility Task Force. Installation support responsibilities span active, reserve and guard units from nearby Fort Dix and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst.

"Our varying missions and capabilities are compelling, but our airmen, their pride, professionalism and 'can do' spirit, are inspiring," Ayyar said.

The purpose of the open house and air expo is to showcase the nation's rich aviation history and to highlight the capabilities of today's military aircraft.

McGuireAir Force Base recently added Matt Chapman as a performer for the 2008 air expo. Chapman will fly the Embry-Riddle Eagle 580, joining more than 15 other performers during the twoday event. He has been flying aerobatics since 1984, earned one of five spots on the U.S. unlimited men's aerobatic team in 1996 and 1998 and was the bestAmerican pilot in the 1998 World Aerobatic Championships, finishing third overall.

"It is so rewarding being sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with their long history of success in aviation and aerospace," said Chapman. "It gives me the opportunity to meet students, alumni, corporate and military professionals from coast to coast who are as passionate about aviation as I am."

The Embry Riddle Worldwide Campus at McGuire provides educational opportunities to military and civilian students in areas of aeronautical science, professional aeronautics and technical management.

No recreational vehicles will be allowed in the air force base parking lot. Banned items include weapons of any kind, cooking equipment, tents, awnings, coolers, tote bags, cans, glass bottles, alcohol and pets.

The following items are allowed: small fanny packs, diaper bags, purses, strollers, wagons, folding chairs, cameras, blankets and umbrellas. Water in clear plastic bottles and food wrapped in clear plastic are allowed.

For more information visit www.mcguireairexpo.info or call 609-754-1919.