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Tattoo - All systems go

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The stage is set, the grounds are clear and the performers are ready for the fifth annual AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Free and open to the public, Tattoo activities begin at 5 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Patrons will be treated to the sounds of the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, active-duty and heritage aircraft flyovers, medal presentations and a musical performance by country music star Aaron Tippin. Other entertainment for the evening includes, technology exhibits highlighting Wright-Patt's diverse mission, recruiting display, entertainment by local band This Side Up and a children's play area. Again, this year, the night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks presentation. Mr. Tippin will sign autographs at his concession booth after the fireworks show.

In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please take note of the below information:

What to bring 

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a camera. Strollers, infant diaper bags, cameras and their cases, small purses and pocketbooks are permitted, but subject to inspection. Refreshments will be available for purchase from vendors.

What NOT to bring 

Please note for security reasons that coolers, portable grills, backpacks, skateboards, in-line skates, glass bottles, knives and weapons of any kind are not permitted. There will be increased security measures in place to include magnetometers. Those parking at Wright-State University's Nutter Center and plan to use the free RTA shuttle will be screened before boarding. Carry-in items such as purses and small bags will be searched.

Transportation and parking 

Base employees may enter through Gate 22B, located off of I-675 and Colonel Glenn Hwy. Those without base access may enter through the museum main entrance on Springfield Pike, the armory gate on Harshman Road and the Spinning Road gate, located at the intersection of Spinning and Airway Roads.

Also, a free RTA shuttle from the Nutter Center to the show will be provided to help ease congestion. Spectators should park in lot 7, 8 and 20 of the Nutter Center and take one of the shuttles that will be running every 5 to 10 minutes from 4 to 11 p.m. Motorcyclists are encouraged to take advantage of the hard-surface parking at the Nutter Center.


How to exit Area B 

Base employees who work in Area B should anticipate using an alternate route to exit the base June 26. Loop Road will be closed from C Street to above the hill starting at 1:30 p.m. to allow for set-up and Tattoo entrance traffic. Only those entering Gate 22B to attend Tattoo will be permitting in that area. To exit Area B, employees are asked to use Gate 1B and 19B. Those who intend to go straight from work to Tattoo are asked to exit Area B and enter through Gate 22B.

For more information, log onto www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo
Follow Tattoo updates on Twitter or MySpace: @AFMC_Now