Behind the scenes of the People's Republic of China's visit to Joint Base Andrews
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – U.S. President Donald J. Trump welcomed the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2026. The event marked Xi’s first state visit since 2015.
The arrival consisted of nationwide media from the United States and China, Military District of Washington’s honor guard and band, and a 21-gun salute from The Old Guard.
Behind all the pomp and circumstance numerous Airmen worked countless hours to make sure the mission was accomplished without incident.
From 316th Security Forces Group vetting over 100 media members from both the U.S. and China against the base access list and conducting K-9 sweeps before they proceeded through the gate, to the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron providing transportation for key players. The 316th Contracting Squadron supplied generators, enabling media members to broadcast the arrival to over 400 million viewers worldwide.
“The team's role was critical to support the PRC arrival and departure by ensuring 100% vehicle reliability for high-security motorcades and flightline vehicles.” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ashley Hardy, 316th LRS commander. “Our Airmen prevented any mechanical failures on a global stage, directly enabling secure, on-time international diplomacy.”
While logistics personnel enabled media movement and escort, the 316th SFG maintained a secure environment for personnel, aircraft and installations resources.
“JBA exists to support our Commander in Chief and that means the SFG exists to secure his on-base movements, aircraft and supporting resources,” said Capt. Bryan Anderson, 816th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. “While the scale and public attention of this event was different than our typical operations, it was at its core the job that our Airmen do every day, and some have hundreds of reps with this kind of mission.”
On-time, secure communication was essential before, during and after the ceremonies. The 744th Communications Squadron provided units with land mobile radios and burner phones, enabling Airmen to communicate seamlessly throughout the week’s events.
For the Airmen involved, both the arrival and departure of PRC President Xi Jinping was another example of how Team Andrews stays prepared and ready for any mission, whether it be routine or of global significance.
"All eyes were on Andrews with direct impact to the nation’s diplomatic objectives,” said Col. Karl W. Seekamp, 316th Wing and installation commander. “I am so impressed with how JBA’s many orgs worked together as one and how individual service members’ tactical excellence consistently has strategic impact. From securing the gates to contracting lavatories and every task in between, Andrews' personnel set the environment to enable world diplomacy. This even proved yet again what I already knew: the Andrews team is amazingly capable, committed and ready to deliver at all times.”
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