'Go Big' Dover prepares for Open House

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  With more than 100,000 people expected to visit Oct. 7 - 8, Dover Air Force Base is preparing to "Go Big" at the 2006 Open House with more than ten aircraft performances and numerous static displays planned. 

From dramatic performances by the Thunderbirds and the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute team, to performances by vintage aircraft, demonstrations by the C-17 and Dover's very own C-5s, and more, the Open House is sure to provide something for everyone from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. 

"Besides offering a weekend full of entertainment and educational opportunities, the Open House is a way of thanking the local community for their support of the base and showing them first hand what Dover Airmen do," said Maj. Christopher Cozzi, Open House director. 

"The Open House gives the public an opportunity to see our base close up and get a first-hand look at the Airmen and aircraft used to support the Global War on Terror," said Col. Sam Cox, 436th Airlift Wing commander. 

However, the Open House is not an event meant just for the public, but for Team Dover as well. 

"The two-day event will be a great opportunity for Team Dover to put many aircraft in our Air Force's inventory on display, witness some incredible demonstrations and aerial performances," said the colonel. 

Along with the fun and excitement of the Open House come some temporary changes and adjustments that Team Dover must remember, including base access and parking.
Base access Oct. 7 - 8 will be as follows:
* DoD card holders on-duty, not affiliated with the Open House will enter through the North Gate. 

* Open House staff and volunteers, VIPs and handicapped personnel will enter via the Main Gate, and all vehicles driven by non-DoD card holders will be searched. 

Entry to the Open House event area will be as follows: 
* Entry of general public to the event area will begin at 10 a.m. 

* VIPs and handicapped visitors will be allowed entry at 9 a.m. - handicapped individuals must display blue placard. 

* For those attending the event, general parking for the public will be located at Bergold Farms east of the base; however, a shuttle will be available from both Bergold Farms and base housing. 

* Pedestrians can enter via the Air Mobility Command Museum Gate on Route 9.
Additionally, there may be limited access to some areas on base during the Open House. Open House officials and the 436th Security Forces Squadron ask that everyone be mindful of changes in traffic patterns and access to certain areas. 

Master Sgt. Patrick Wiley, 436th Security Forces Squadron, reminds everyone the changes are only temporary and are necessary for security and force protection. 

Also for security reasons, no tote bags or backpacks, coolers, camera bags, skateboards/roller skates, pets, weapons (guns, knives, pepper spray), fireworks, alcohol or glass bottles will be allowed into the event area. Food vendors and concessions will be available on site. 

While many on base may be more focused in working to ensure the Open House is a great event for the rest of the public - rather than making plans to attend the event - that hard work has not gone unnoticed. 

"I recognize that this is a hectic time for many, as plans and preparations are made to ensure that the Open House runs smoothly, and I thank everyone for their hard work," Colonel Cox said. "Remember to take some time to enjoy the event and have fun!"