The 11th Annual Wings, Wheels, Rotors and Expo was once again a big draw to the Joint Forces Training Base, as hundreds of cars, planes, helicopters and motorcycles were on display.
Several different types of airplanes buzzed the flightline, including vintage bi-planes that left smoke trials as they passed over the crowd. The Wings, Wheels, Rotors and Expo has become one of the largest public events that is held on the base. The Race on the Base 5 and 10K event is also a major public event that is held every February and the base hosts a Fourth of July fireworks spectacular as well.
Brig. Gen. Keith Jones, commander of the 40th Infantry Division on Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos said that the JFTB realizes that not everything that happens on the base is conducive to the serenity of the local communities.
So, the JFTB likes to host these types of events as a way to stay meshed with their neighbors. Jones spent some time touring the event on Sunday and was pleased with the turnout.
“Everything from the weather to the local community coming out, it’s a terrific day and another great event,” Jones said.
One of the new additions was a second military cargo plane. Though smaller than the jumbo C-17, it too offered visitors a chance to walk into the belly of the plane and see the massive size of those airplanes.
Retired Lt. Col. Tom Lasser, one of the main people on the organizing committee said the estimated number of visitors was more than 30,000.
Lasser agreed that the weather and volunteers lined up well to provide visitors with a perfect day for plane and helicopter rides, that were available.
“The event was so successful, we’re already planning for next year,” Lasser said.
Next year’s event is set for Oct. 27, 2013. The event also raises money to support soldier programs on the base. The amount raised last year was $22,000.
This year’s donation will be added up and presented on November 27, at the Los Alamitos State of the City Luncheon.
