JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- As thousands of visitors prepare to attend Arctic Thunder Open House 2026, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is hard at work transforming the installation into one of Alaska’s largest public events.
Leading up to the open house on August 8 and 9, service members, community members, and volunteers are working across the installation to prepare the flightline for an estimated crowd of 200,000 attendees. Crews are setting up crowd barriers, vendor areas, static aircraft displays, seating and safety equipment to ensure the events run smoothly and safely.
“We are grateful to the community for your unwavering support and your continued cooperation,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David Werner, 673d Air Base Wing commander. “We are pleased to open our gates and welcome you to JBER. To our local, state, and federal leaders and representatives, thank you. Your partnership and support are the foundation that makes this incredible weekend possible.”
Behind the scenes, dozens of organizations are working together for the event, from airfield operations and emergency services to security, transportation and communications.The extensive planning and setup reflect two years worth of coordination designed to provide visitors with a safe and memorable experience while showcasing the mission and capabilities of the joint forces.
“Arctic Thunder Open House is significant for bridging the military and civilian communities to further build trust between the two,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gianni Paganucci, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron. “I think it’s a good way to have the civilian side and the military side come together and have a day where they can bond over cool stuff and great entertainment while understanding why we do what we do.”
With the theme of this year’s open house being “Celebrating America’s 250th,” the open house will feature performances by the U.S. Navy Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels; the U.S. Army Parachute Demonstration Team, the Golden Knights; the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team; the Joint Forces Demonstration; and numerous other military and civilian performers. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore dozens of static aircraft displays and interact with service members who will also be in attendance.
While the aircrafts may be the main attraction, the work taking place before the gates open demonstrates the teamwork, dedication and professionalism required to host an event of this scale. Long before the first demonstration aircraft takes to the skies, the men and women of JBER have been laying the foundation for a successful Arctic Thunder Open House.
“We could not have done it without them,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Tarnowski, 3rd Wing deputy commander. “We are incredibly proud of their hard work, and we are excited to finally open the gates, bring the general public onto the installation, and inspire the next generation with what this joint force team can do.”
For those interested in attending the open house, it is free and open to the public. Boniface and Richardson gates will open for general access at 9 a.m., with the show projected to start around 10:30.