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Air Force, Navy team up for inaugural open house

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. Michael Longoria
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Bolling Air Force Base and the Anacostia Annex will open their gates to the public for the inaugural Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Open House on Independence Day.

The Fourth of July celebration will begin at noon and end around at 9:15 p.m. with fireworks over the nation's capital. Gates will open at 11 a.m. for all Department of Defense identification card holders and 1 p.m. for the general public.

"The open house affords us the opportunity to showcase the wing's mission to the base community and our joint base counterparts, as well as the local community," said Col. Jon A. Roop, 11th Wing commander. "Leaders of the neighborhoods east of the river are genuinely excited about being invited back onto the base. During my recent interactions, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Councilmember Marion Berry both expressed their gratitude for our efforts and their intention to stop by to enjoy an afternoon of family fun."

There will be three access points to the base during the event, the Firth Sterling Gate, the Arnold Gate and the South Gate.

The Firth Sterling Gate is open for the general public and parking is available for about 1,000 vehicles. However, pedestrian traffic is encouraged. The Arnold Gate is open for invited guests with an open house pass and the South Gate is open for DOD ID card holders.

The 11th Services Division will host music throughout the day with live entertainment from noon to 1:50 p.m. with Jaque "The Saxman" Johnson and from 2:10 to 4 p.m. with the Marcus Johnson Project. The United States Air Force Band's Airmen of Note will perform at 5 and 8:15 p.m. with Allen Vizzutti and the New York Voices, respectively, and the Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble will perform at 6:35 p.m.

"We are going to have live jazz entertainment starting at noon and continuing throughout the day," said Robert McCullough, 11th SVS Community Support Flight chief. "The jazz bands are well known, local artists and they are very excited to perform at our open house."

In addition, there will be drill team demonstrations at 4:30, 6:15 and 7:50 p.m.

Static displays, featuring various aircraft, ground equipment and sea vessels, will be on display throughout Geisboro Park as well as children's activities, concession stands and other informational booths.

"We have provided all the essentials for a Fourth of July celebration," said Mr. McCollough. "Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a full day of great food, drinks, music and, of course, fireworks."

The 579th Medical Group will set up a first-aid station and three roving medical teams will be available.

The 11th Security Forces Squadron will have 11 bike patrols and four golf cart patrols in addition to conducting several other security functions during the event. Due to the influx of people on base, all DOD ID card holders must have their ID on them at all times.

"We are going to ensure a safe and secure environment just like we always do," said Capt. Julia Jefferson, 11th SFS deputy commander. "We will be in full force plus some."

Additional information, including a list of prohibited items, will be provided as it becomes available. For up-to-date information, log on to http://www.bolling.af.mil/jbabopenhouse.asp or call the Straight Talk Line at (202) 404-3422.