Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will hold a Public Open House on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Ault Field from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of its 75th anniversary. It was on Sept. 21, 1942, at the Seaplane Base that the first Commanding Officer Capt. Cyril T. Simard read the orders, the watch was set and U.S. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was duly commissioned.

The public open house is an opportunity for the public to learn about the past, current, and future operations at the Navy’s only air station in the Pacific Northwest and see last year’s Navy Installation of the Year.

Aircraft static displays will include the EA-18G Growler, P-3C Orion, MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter, the new C-40 Clipper and a visiting P-8A Poseidon, which will soon replace the P-3C’s here. Aerial demonstrations planned at this time include the EA-18G, P-3C and Search and Rescue helicopter.

There will also be other visual displays, guided bus tours, a K-9 Working Dog demonstrations, Explosive Ordnance Detachment displays, bouncy toys for children and a climbing wall for those wishing to test their climbing acumen. Aviation memorabilia will also be available for purchase as well as a variety of food and beverages.

All visitors over the age of 18 will be required to have state or government issued identification for access to the base. Due to security measures, the following items are not allowed on the base: alcohol, large bags, backpacks, weapons to include pocket knives, coolers and pets. Additionally, drugs or drug paraphernalia to include marijuana products are prohibited from the base. Items permitted will be strollers, diaper bags, small women’s purses, wheelchairs, service dogs, bottled water, cameras and video recorders.

More information can be found at http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/installations/nas_whidbey_island.html.