D.C. National Guard's 113th Wing F-16s fly in Joint Base Andrews Air Show

WASHINGTON, DC (09/18/2015)(readMedia)-- JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The D.C. Air National Guard paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of America's Airmen Friday at the Joint Base Andrews Air Show in Maryland. The unit's F-16 fighter jets will also be part of the Airshow on Saturday flying before thousands attending the annual event.

The missing man formation flyover is a military tradition that began as a way to honor fallen pilots. This aerial flyover has expanded to pay tribute to fallen service members as well during funerals and ceremonial events. Friday's flyover by the 113th Wing honored U.S. prisoners of war and missing in action, or POW/MIA.

"It was an honor and a privilege to open the show with our missing man formation of F-16s," said Brig. Gen. George Degnon, 113th Wing Commander. "This is also an opportunity for us to integrate with the Active and Reserve Air Force, as well as other services here in the National Capital Region, as we showcase our military."

The airshow, a free public event, is the culmination of many weeklong activities in the DC area, in celebration of the Air Force's Birthday Week, which runs from Sept. 14-19.

Showcasing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, the event will feature static display aircraft and military equipment displays by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, NASA, Coast Guard, Dept. of Homeland Security and the Civil Air Patrol.

Gates will open to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m., kicking-off aerial demonstrations, which will continue until 3 p.m. The Thunderbirds will begin their show at 3 p.m. and finish at 4:15 p.m.

Air show acts include the Air Force's F-22 Demonstration Team; U.S. Southern Command's 's Para-Commandos; D.C. Air National Guard,113th Wing's F-16 Missing Man Formation; 11th Wing UH-1N jump and formation; P-51,Trojan Horsemen; Kent Pietsch "Jelly Belly" Plane; KC-10; Air Boss, Wayne Boggs; MX-2, Scott Francis; P-51 Mustang "Quick Silver", Scott "Scooter" Yoak; P-40 Warhawk; F-4U Corsair "Korean War Hero", Jim "Torc" Tobul; B-25 Miss Hap; Flash Fire Jet Truck; David Windmiller; and Matt Jolley.

For more information about joining Air Guard's premier flying unit, visit D.C. Air National Guard recruiters at the event and set your VECTOR and "get a roadmap to your future."

NOTE TO EDITOR: D.C. Air National Guard pilot interview requests can be coordinated by calling the 113th Wing Public Affairs at 240-857-4867.