News - Page 497

Naval consolidated brig prisoners receive education upgrade
July 21, 2010 — Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the first National Testing Center for military prisoners aboard Naval Weapons Station Charleston, July 14.The new and improved testing facility will allow military prisoners to complete accredited computer-based college level courses vice the normal paper based testing, offering... MORE

Naval Weapons Station Charleston Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gary Martin, left, Director of Military and Veteran Education Louis Martini, and Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ray Drake officially open the first National Testing Center in a military prisoner correctional facility July 14, 2010, at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C. The new and improved testing facility will allow military prisoners to complete accredited computer-based college level courses versus the normal paper based testing. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer Hudson)

437th Maintenance Squadron welcomes new commander
July 20, 2010 — The 437th Maintenance Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 22, 2010 here.Maj. Jeffrey Darden, former operations officer for the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., replaced Maj. Sara Huiss who now works at the Pentagon.Major Darden was born at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio and... MORE

Maj. Jeff Darden is the 437th Maintenance Squadron commander at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Major Darden enjoys spending time with his family and is usually seen chasing his curious and energetic 2-year-old daughter, Katie. He and his wife, Joyce, are expecting a baby boy in September, so his golf game will continue to be neglected. Otherwise, he enjoys sports and spending time outdoors.

First 6 volunteer opportunities can make the most of your career
July 20, 2010 — The Joint Base Charleston First 6 is a professional organization which focuses on providing junior enlisted service members a forum for making the most of their military careers. The organization is open to all pay grades from E-1 through E-6. The next First 6 meeting is scheduled for August 26 at 11 a.m. in the First Term Airmen Center... MORE

Hurricane tip of the week
July 20, 2010 — Hurricane season will continue through November, with the highest probability of a major hurricane occurring between mid-August and October. Due to a hurricane's capacity for damage, preparation is the key to everyone's safety. Weekly hurricane tips provide need-to-know information for staying ahead of the weather and staying safe.This week's... MORE

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Since the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opens June 1, Team Eglin members should gear up now for what is expected to be an above average hurricane season, according to a recent advisory issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center. The NHC is predicting the Atlantic hurricane season to have a 75 percent chance of being an "above average" season. (Courtesy graphic)

News briefs - July 23
July 20, 2010 — To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 628abw.dispatch@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication.Specials:Blue Star Museums free admission: The National Endowment for the Arts along with the non-profit Blue Star Families has started a new... MORE

Read on to find out about upcoming events at Joint Base Charleston in this recent edition of News Briefs.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' inbox continues to solicit feedback
July 20, 2010 — In his State of the Union Address this year, President Barack Obama called on Congress to repeal the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.A comprehensive review of issues associated with the possible repeal led Defense Secretary Robert Gates to create an intra-Department,... MORE

A new online inbox that enables servicemembers and their families to comment anonymously about the impact of a possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has gone live.

News briefs - July 16
July 14, 2010 — To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 628abw.dispatch@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication.Specials:Blue Star Museums free admission: The National Endowment for the Arts along with the non-profit Blue Star Families has started a new... MORE

Hurricane Tip of the Week
July 14, 2010 — Hurricane season will continue through November, with the highest probability of a major hurricane occurring between mid-August and October. Due to a hurricane's capacity for damage, preparation is the key. Weekly hurricane tips provide need-to-know information for staying ahead of the weather.This week's hurricane tip is: Plan your evacuation... MORE

Air Force assets play vital role in Iraq drawdown
July 14, 2010 — MORE

Senior Airman Jerry Daniels, 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, connects supplemental restraints to palletized baggage on a C-17 Globemaster III July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Air Force assets are playing a vital role in the Iraq drawdown to 50,000 troops by August 31, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston) (Released)

Honorary Commanders briefed about EOD mission
July 14, 2010 — MORE

Capt. Sylvester D'Agrella briefs the Joint Base Charleston Honorary Commanders after demonstrating the Percussion Actuated Neutralizer outside the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal building July 14, 2010 on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The PAN is a high-velocity, precision tool used to disrupt IEDs with water, air, or steel shots. This is the tool of choice as it allows flexible, surgical shots to be taken to prevent a detonation and preserve evidence for law enforcement officers. The honorary commanders toured EOD as part of a base orientation tour to learn more about the missions performed by different units on Joint Base Charleston. Captain D'Agrella is the commander of the 628 CES explosive ordnance disposal team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor)