JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
An orientation was held March 13, 2014, for the Honorary Commanders at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
The JB Charleston Honorary Commanders Program encourages an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the local civilian community and the Charleston military community. The program provides a unique opportunity for members of the Charleston area to shadow Air Force group and squadron commanders, as well as commanders of Navy and tenant units at JB Charleston.
"I was born and raised in the Charleston area, so I've always been aware of the military presence," said Erica Wright, 628th Air Base Wing Honorary Commander who will be working with Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph Gardner, Naval Support Activity command master chief. "Seeing a different side of Charleston, through the eyes of the military will be eye opening."
During the orientation, the Honorary Commanders toured several units on the installation and learned about their various missions.
The orientation began with the Honorary Commanders attending a briefing at the 315th Airlift Wing, hosted by the joint base commander and the commanders of the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings.
From there, the Honorary Commanders boarded a bus to the 628th Security Forces Squadron K-9 Military Working Unit. After the 628th Explosives Ordinance Disposal unit briefed the group on their bomb suit and the F6 Alpha robot, the Honorary Commanders were treated to the 628th SFS dog handlers demonstrating the teamwork and mission of the unit's military working dogs.
The tour and orientation ended on the flight line where the group toured a C-17 Globemaster III, learning about the cockpit, aeromedical evacuation and the different types of cargo C-17 is capable of carrying.
The Honorary Commanders will be officially inducted into their new positions during an induction ceremony scheduled for March 28, 2014.