Local air force base hosts expo
The 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base in Wrightstown will host the 2008McGuireAir Expo. The special event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on May 31 and June 1. Base officials expect more than 300,000 guests to attend.

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

A large number of current and former military aircraft, including the base's own KC-10 Extender and C-17 Globemaster III, will be on display.

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

Ayyar said the McGuire Air Expo is an opportunity to celebrate America's airmen, their accomplishments and the U.S. Air Force. He said it is a privilege to demonstrate theAir Force's enduring commitment to mission excellence, developing leaders and preserving resources and at the same time inspire youngmen and women toward service.

"This is also our way of saying thanks for the wonderful support our region provides our airmen and their families,"Ayyar said.

The gates of the air force base will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with performances scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Static displays will be open all day. There is no fee for admission or for parking.

McGuire Air Force Base is home to two active-duty Air Force wings, one Air Force Reserve wing, oneAirNational Guard wing and an ExpeditionaryMobility Task Force. Installation support responsibilities span active, reserve and guard units fromnearby Fort Dix andNavalAir Engineering Station Lakehurst.

For more information about the 2008 McGuire Air Expo visit www.mcguireairexpo. info or call (609) 754-1919.