Planning for the 2016 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show July 30-31 is in full swing here at Offutt, as the masterminds behind the event are planning to make this year’s show even better than the last.

Brand new to the mix is the Offutt Open House smart phone app. There is also work being done to make an even bigger bike-n-park  program, as well as bringing back the Offutt Parade, which hasn’t been showcased since 2012.

The Open House app will feature directions to the show and information about the attractions, performers, static displays, exhibitors and much more. It will also have various maps showing where everything is located, but perhaps the most exciting part will be the real-time parking updates.

“When people are coming to the air show, they will be able to find out if on-base parking is still available or if they should go to Bellevue West or Bellevue East high schools,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Nagy, 55^th Strategic Communications Squadron. “The app will feature a color coded system. Red will indicate the lot is full, yellow will mean it is starting to fill-up, and green will indicate there is plenty of parking. This way people can plan accordingly.”

Nagy said he jumped at the opportunity to show what communications Airmen are capable of when the time came to create the app.

“It is great for people to see what we do, but sometimes they see the planes and think that is all the Air Force has,” Nagy said. “The open house allows us the ability to demonstrate some of our other skill sets. By putting together an app free to the public, we are able to show what else we can do.”

The app is currently under development, but Nagy said he expects to have it released about two months before the show.

The bike and park program, initiated by the Live Well Omaha organization in conjunction with Omaha Bikes, is not new to the event but will be significantly expanded this year. In 2014, there were approximately 8 racks for parking.

“This year we are hoping to double that or more,” Nagy said. “There will also be people stationed at the gate giving out complimentary helmets to riders or their passengers who don’t have one.”

Once the bicyclists arrive at the air show perimeter, there will be a bike valet service.

“You bring your bike up and a volunteer will give you a ticket and a place your bike on a rack,” Nagy said. “When you are done, all you have to do is show your ticket and the attendants will bring you your bike.”

More information on the bike and park program will be readily available on the Offutt Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show page, set to be up in running by the end of April.

Finally, the Offutt Parade is making a comeback after a four year absence. Featured in the flyover are the RC-130, EC130 and E4 B, all part of the 55^th Wing inventory.

Nagy said the event will be extra special for members of Team Offutt.

“For so many of us, it’s easy to forget about the aircraft on the flight line,” Nagy said. “Our mission and day-to-day pieces relate to them, but we don’t necessarily think of them on a regular basis. When we get to see our mission up in the air and the heritage it speaks to, it is kind of cool.”