Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) opened its gates to the public for a base open house June 25.

The open house was held to provide the general public an opportunity to witness the roles Sailors perform in protecting the United States' interests and enhance the relationship that NASWI and the surrounding communities share.

"It's a great opportunity for the public to learn what we do as a military, how we train, and how we support the nation," said Capt. Geoff Moore, commanding officer of NASWI. "This is a great event we look forward to putting on every year."

The open house included a 5K run on the base flight line, bus tours of the installation, live demonstrations of military working dogs by base security, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots and search and rescue, static displays of various aircraft operated from NASWI, a performance by Navy Band Northwest's rock band "Passage," booths featuring various tenant commands and organizations, a climbing wall and bounce houses for children attending, and a flight demonstration by Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129.

"I've been on base before with my brother, who is a chief, but it was great being able to go out on the flight line and see everything up close," said Bob Cook, a local resident. "It was awesome getting to see the security dog not only catch the suspect, but then escort him back to the vehicle as well."

Moore was excited for the event to coincide with the beginning of the transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon for squadrons based at NASWI.

"It's an exciting time," said Moore. "We've got a new aircraft coming out in the fall, the P-8. We've got one out here now so the public can see what it's like and take tours through the P-8."

Moore was pleased with the turnout and hopes next year's milestone will draw an even larger crowd.

"It's great to see so many people come out and support us," said Moore. "I hope to see even more people next year when we celebrate the base's 75th anniversary."

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