Another Arctic Thunder Open House wraps up

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson hosted the Arctic Thunder Open House, the Last Frontier’s premier open house and air show, June 30 and July 1.

More than 320,000 people experienced the biennial event, not including attendees at the Special Needs and Department of Defense Family Day hosted June 29. The 2018 ATOH was the fourth open house hosted since then-Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson joined forces in 2010.

The 2020 ATOH is tentatively scheduled for July 25 and 26.

There were some new additions both in the air and on the ground this year.

“We are super excited about the success of our new additions of [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] for kids and adults,” said Dana Rosso, JBER and 673d Air Base Wing chief of public affairs operations. “We also added exhibitions focusing on different career paths and jobs within the military. We hope to have inspired some young minds to think creatively and maybe consider a career in the sciences.”

Improvements were not just to center stage, but also about accessing the event.

“One of the things we addressed the most from years past was the traffic and parking plan. We believe we executed a phenomenal traffic plan transitioning folks into the installation,” Rosso said.

One attendee shared similar sentiments.

“We’ve avoided the show for the past 10 years due to the traffic congestion and how long it took to get on and off base,” said Lisa Corliss in an email. “Our kids really wanted to see the show, so we took a chance and we’re glad we did. I don’t know who devised the traffic plans, but that person deserves many high fives.”

Not long after the closing act, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, landed, work began on coordinating the 2020 open house.

“We are in contact with the demonstration teams right now working through their upcoming schedules,” Rosso said. “An announcement will be made the first week of December as to which headlining demo team will be joining us in 2020.”

To see it again, visit jber.jb.mil or flickr.com/photos/arcticwarrior/albums.