JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- President Donald Trump visited Joint Base Andrews, Md., to thank service members on behalf of the American people for their dedication to the nation, Sept. 15.
“I am truly thrilled to join you today at this really incredible milestone -- 70 years since the founding of the United States Air Force,” Trump said. “We're celebrating 70 years of history, 70 years of heroes, and 70 years of victory. I also want to thank all of the amazing family members and loved ones whose sacrifices make your service possible. We love you, we appreciate you and everything you do. Thank you.”
Although the president frequently departs and arrives from JBA, Friday marked his first official visit, which consisted of an air-power demonstration. The demonstration highlighted the Air Force’s advanced capabilities to gain and maintain air superiority. The tour included opportunities to view the cockpits of fighter aircraft, receive briefings from the pilots, and a first-hand warfighter experience in an aircraft simulator.
During his speech, Trump reflected on air and space power and how the Air Force is essential to national security.
“For seven decades, the United States Air Force has pushed the boundaries of science and technology, helped restore peace and stability to troubled lands, and kept Americans safe from those who threaten our very way of life,” the president said. “We carved out a home in the New World, gave birth to the modern world, and we will shape tomorrow's world with the strength and skill of American hands. Because for America, the sky is never the limit.”
Trump’s visit served as a commemorative highlight for the Air force birthday week as well as a kickoff to the 2017 Joint Base Andrews Air Show: America’s Air and Space Expo commemorating the U.S. Air Force’s 70th birthday. Since 1947, the Air Force has been breaking barriers in air, space and cyberspace.
“This week is our service’s 70th birthday," said Col. John Teichert, 11th Wing and JBA commander. “President Trump came here to see, not just what he sees every day or every week as he comes through Joint Base Andrews, but see in-depth what the United States Air Force has to offer to this nation and to him as our commander in chief."