D.C. Air National Guard demonstrates its Air Power

by Senior Airman Erica Rodriguez
113th Wing Public Affairs

9/23/2015 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The

District of Columbia Air National Guard participated in the 2015 Joint Base Andrews Air Show Sept.18 to 19.

The 113th Wing was able to showcase its mission to their local community and other military personnel during the public air show.

The air show comprised of active duty Air Force, Army and Air National Guard and AF Reserve units featured many aerial demonstrations, static displays of military vehicles and equipment, entertainment for kids and various vendors including recruiters.

The event was especially important to the 113th members because it gave them a chance to engage with the local community.

"I'm glad they brought the Air Show back finally," said 1st Lt. Charlie Wilkinson, 121st Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot. "I think it's important for us to be out here and get some face-to-face time with the people living within the area; the people we help support and defend. It's nice for them to able to see that we are here and what we are doing here."

Wilkinson was one of the pilots who stayed with Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft static display during the event to answer spectator questions about the aircraft, the 113th mission and what it takes to become a pilot.

Spectators were also able to check out the wing's domestic operations capabilities first hand. The wing's Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer, Mobile Emergency Operations Center and the Fatality Search and Recovery Team equipment were on display along with some of their operators that could explain the capabilities and importance of each.

Beyond the displays, the 113th also kicked off the aerial demonstrations and ceremony with the time honored Missing Man Formation to honor fallen service members for POW/MIA day.

"It's an honor for us to be able to participate as the opening act of the Joint Base Andrews show this year," said Brig. Gen. George Degnon, 113th Wing commander. "It's an opportunity for us to integrate with the active duty and the Reserve as well as other services here In the National Capital region as we showcase the military."

And it was that coordination of the event with all joint forces coming together in support of community relations that made the show a success.