News

Renowned test pilot Chuck Yeager dies
December 9, 2020 — Probably his most notable achievement was piloting the Bell X-1 experimental rocket plane, in which he became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound in 1947, shortly after the founding of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service... MORE

Famed test pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager has died, Dec. 7. He was 97.

Rated Preparatory Program now accepting applications for FY21 spring class
November 9, 2020 — Active duty Department of the Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen and Space Professionals interested in becoming a rated officer have until Dec. 31, 2020 to apply for the Spring 2021 Rated Preparatory Program... MORE

Single-Parent Reservist rises above challenges to earn wings
May 6, 2019 — Imagine being a single-parent of two, completing a bachelor's degree and independently financing pilot training in order to accomplish the dream of becoming a reserve pilot with the 315th Airlift Wing, all within five short years. Being a single parent is no easy feat, but Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith, aviation resource management technician with the 701st Airlift Squadron here, accepted the challenges that greeted her. From parenting her two small children as a teenage mother to pursuing higher education in psychology and aviation, Smith has embodied excellence in all she does... MORE

Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith, aviation resource management technician with the 701st Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, stands next to a Cessna 172 before taking flight, Jan. 25, 2019, in North Charleston, South Carolina. Smith completed 72 hours of flight time through Charleston Regional Accelerated Flight Training and IFR6 of N. Charleston, S.C., before persuing a commision in the U.S. Air Force to pilot C-17 Globemaster III's while being a single parent of two, a full-time college student and an Air Force Reservist. (Courtesy photo/Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith)

70th Anniversary of the AF: Honoring our Heroes
July 2, 2017 — Editors Note: This album is one of several products being shared in 2017 by the Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Office in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Air Force and those who selflessly have and continue to serve our nation.Capt. Kevin Summerbell, 15th Airlift Squadron, 437th Airlift Wing, stands in front of the entrance to a C-17... MORE

Editors Note: This album is one of several products being shared in 2017 by the Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Office in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Air Force and those who selflessly have and continue to serve our nation.

Capt. Kevin Summerbell, 15th Airlift Squadron, 437th Airlift Wing, stands in front of the entrance to a C-17 Globemaster III on the flightline at Joint Base Charleston April 4, 2017. Summerbell was enlisted in the Army as an infantryman prior to commissioning in the Air Force. He deployed to Iraq twice during his time in the Army and received a Purple Heart for his wounds and courage on the battlefield. Summerbell earned his bachelor’s degree, attended ROTC and completed flight school, then became a C-17 pilot at the 437th AW.

AMC leader host pilots call
March 23, 2017 — Col. Jimmy Canlas, left, 437th Airlift Wing commander, presents Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson, right, Headquarters Air Mobility Command director of operations, with a picture of a C-17 Globemaster during an Operations Call for pilots assigned to the 437th AW at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, March 21. Robinson toured various facilities and met... MORE

Col. Jimmy Canlas, left, 437th Airlift Wing commander, presents Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson, right, Headquarters Air Mobility Command director of operations, with a picture of a C-17 Globemaster during an Operations Call for pilots assigned to the 437th AW at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, March 21. Robinson toured various facilities and met with key leadership during his visit.