“Thrilling Return: JBLM Airshow Makes a Comeback After 7-Year Hiatus”

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airshow(JBL Airshow) and Warrior Expo, returning after a seven-year hiatus, promise an exciting lineup of aerial displays and ground exhibits. Visitors can witness thrilling performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the C-17 West Coast Demo Team, and U.S. Army helicopters.

This year’s event also commemorates 50 years of women in modern military aviation and 30 years of women in combat aviation. On the ground, attendees can explore 30 static displays showcasing military and civilian equipment from across the country.

The airshow will be held at JBLM McChord Field on Saturday and Sunday, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and the show starting at 11:30 a.m. General admission is free, and no tickets are required, but it is recommended to arrive early due to limited parking and expected heavy traffic.

Portable chairs or blankets are suggested for seating. VIP tickets can be purchased for an upgraded experience. Additionally, free off-base bus shuttles will be available from designated sites starting at 9 a.m.

To facilitate transportation to the airshow, there will be several shuttle options available. Off-base bus shuttles will operate from three locations:

JBLM DuPont Gate (I-5 Exit 119, Kaufman Ave.), Sound Transit Lakewood Station (11424 Pacific Highway S.W., Lakewood), and Highway 512 Park-and-Ride (10617 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood). These shuttles will start running at 9 a.m.

For Department of Defense ID cardholders, there will be two on-base bus shuttles starting at 9 a.m. These shuttles will depart from Madigan Army Medical Center (9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma) and the Logistics Center on Rainier Drive at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

If you have a Department of Defense ID and plan to drive, you can access the airshow by using the McChord Field Barnes Gate from Perimeter Road or by crossing the Unity Bridge from Lewis Main.

Open parking lots south of Col. Joe Jackson Boulevard on McChord Field will be available, and shuttle buses will transport visitors to the event from the boulevard.

Remember, all airshow visitors aged 16 and older must have a valid photo ID to enter the event.

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