Commentaries

“This is a football……”
October 18, 2017 — Vince Lombardi, one of the most successful professional football coaches in history, was famous for beginning his practices by saying… “Gentlemen, this is a football.” He understood that the basics won games. The basics brought his team together. The basics were the foundation. Let’s take a moment to focus on the basics of our service. As service... MORE

Naval Health Clinic Charleston celebrates 100 years of providing healthcare for service members
October 4, 2017 — Naval Health Clinic Charleston is a command with a rich history and tradition. Commissioned on July 31, 1917, the original Naval Hospital Charleston began as an emergency hospital caring for the wounded during World War I. The hospital consisted of 19 temporary wooden buildings with a bed capacity of 250. The following year, 14 additional buildings... MORE

CPI in the nuclear Navy
October 4, 2017 — Leading companies in any field are characterized by their ability to improve their products, processes, service and technology. This is commonly known as Continuous Process Improvement (CPI). While the military does not sell a product or look for a larger profit margin, the best commands are marked by their ability to self-assess, identify... MORE

Partnership: Planning through Response and Recovery
October 1, 2017 — On August 30, 2017, I had the great honor to relieve Captain Greg Stump and the privilege to assume command of Coast Guard Sector Charleston and its team of dedicated professionals. As a new member of community, it is truly inspiring to witness the exceptional teamwork, cooperation and partnerships with our government and industry partners here... MORE

Capt. John W. Reed
Commander, USCG Sector Charleston

Honored to join the 437th AW
August 15, 2017 — On June 15, 2017 Col. Jimmy Canlas, 437th Airlift Wing commander, selected me as your Command Chief. This leadership opportunity is an amazing privilege I will not take lightly. I commit to investing in the 2,300 Airmen, officers and civilians serving Air Mobility Command’s premier airlift wing. I am wicked excited to join a team with a... MORE

The true meaning of Wingman, Shipmate
August 11, 2017 — Given that the Air Force and Navy birthdays occur in September and October, respectively, it is appropriate to think on what it means to be a true Wingman and Shipmate in today’s force. Today the United States military force is the most powerful force in history with a presence felt on the sea, on the land and in the air all around the world. Our... MORE

Honored to be in Charleston
August 3, 2017 — If asked many years ago what my dream job would be at this time in my career, being a commander at Joint Base Charleston would be on the top of the list. My operational career started here at Joint Base Charleston (then Charleston Air Force Base) back in January 1999. I met my wife during that assignment and we always hoped for a return... MORE

Mentoring to mold the New Navy
July 27, 2017 — Training Sailors is the primary mission of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit here but mentorship is also paramount. In the fleet we often hear the phrase, “train your relief.” Therefore, a primary goal of mine is to teach young Sailors the fundamentals of the Nuclear Navy as well as how to be an outstanding Sailor... MORE

Joint Base Charleston is a special place
June 14, 2017 — Joint Base Charleston is a special place for a host of reasons. With the myriad of strategic logistics, airlift, nuclear power training, development, sustainment and support missions, every military operation in the world is touched by those who serve here. In that way, it truly is “The Launch Point for the Nation’s Resolve”. The missions here... MORE

What the flag means to me
June 8, 2017 — It is the beginning of June, the Memorial Day weekend has just passed, and I am driving onto one of the local barrier islands for lunch with my family. The town has taken care to place American flags on all of the downtown poles in observance of the upcoming summer holiday season and I have to admit seeing this always fills me with pride. When I... MORE