News

Charleston continues support for Haiti
January 29, 2010 — MORE

Airman Sam Leone guards a C-17 at Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 28. Airman Leone is a member of the 628th Security Forces Squadron from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Joint Team Charleston has flown humanitarian missions to Haiti around the clock since the relief effort began. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Barry Loo)

Relief effort hits home for Haitian-American Airman
January 28, 2010 — "Jan. 2, 2008 ... I remember it like it was yesterday," said Airman 1st Class Samantha Jean, recounting her first day in Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas.Her new uniforms would soon read, "U.S. Air Force," and for the young Haitian woman, now assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here, nothing could've made her prouder, she... MORE

Airman 1st Class Samantha Jean is a traffic management apprentice with the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here. Originally from Haiti, she has recently become an American citizen and has found great pride in her part of the relief effort at Charleston AFB working in the packing and crating section of her squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

18 AF officials call in their best for air delivery to Haiti
January 27, 2010 — When the 18th Air Force needed a recognized expert to lead the planning cell for the very first humanitarian air delivery in Haiti, they cried "Uncle."Lt. Col. Leon Strickland, call sign "Uncle" and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation for the 437th Operations Group, received the call on Sunday morning, Jan. 17. In three hours, he was on the... MORE

A Charleston C-17 Globemaster III aircraft air delivers approximately 14,000 bottles of water and 14,500 Meals Ready to Eat to the outlying area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 23, 2010. The water and rations will be distributed by members of the United Nations. Several Charleston AFB air delivery missions have been conducted to assist in the Haiti relief effort following the earthquake that hit the city Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James L. Harper Jr./Released)

Charleston AFB ships emergency funds to U.S. Embassy in Haiti
January 27, 2010 — Covered by ordinary shipping plastic and crisscrossed cargo straps, an 800-pound stash of cold, hard cash unsuspectingly took flight from Charleston AFB at approximately 7 p.m. Jan. 22.Known only by a handful of members onboard the flight, the shipment was the focus of a high-priority mission scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Embassy in... MORE

Special mission shipment of money waits to be unloaded from a Travis Air Force Base C-17 at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 22, 2010. The cargo was sent from Charleston AFB along with members of security forces and intelligence squadrons to support Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katie Gieratz)(RELEASED)

Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Kristan Butler
January 27, 2010 — Staff Sgt. Kristan Butler is a member of the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than five years.In the weeks following Haiti's recent earthquake, Sergeant Butler has steadily been engaged in the massive relief effort, flying missions aboard C-17 aircraft with Charleston AFB's Flying Crew Chief... MORE

Staff Sgt. Kristan Butler, 437th Aircaft Maintenance Squadron (Courtesy Photo)

Faces around base: Airmen making a difference during Haiti relief
January 27, 2010 — MORE

Senior Airman Justin Diggins is a hydraulic mechanic with the 315th Maintenance Squadron at Charleston AFB. His career field involves inspections, troubleshooting, testing and replacement of hydraulic components. Since the earthquake in Haiti, Airman Diggins has seen an increased work load in his daily responsibilities in maintaining C-17 hydraulic components, and said he and his entire work center is glad to be supportive and helpful in a time of need for others. The Orangeburg, S.C., native said, "If it was not for the hydraulic backshop, the supplies would not be able to get delivered." (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

News briefs
January 27, 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.SpotlightCharleston Chiefs Group: The annual Charleston Chiefs Group Chief Recognition Ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. and held at... MORE

Commentary: an attitude of excellence, a commitment to serve
January 26, 2010 — When you walk into certain work centers you can tell almost immediately that you are in the presence of true professionals. The feeling is unmistakable, and it's the same with any successful organization, whether it's a winning athletic team or a dedicated group of volunteers. Their attitude of excellence is infectious, and if you visit the quiet... MORE

Airman 1st Class Lauren Main composes a scene Jan. 25 for an upcoming story on Charleston AFB's role in supporting Operation Unified Response. Airman Main is one of many public affairs personnel who work to ensure the Air Force's role in supporting Haitian relief efforts is properly documented and reported. Airman Main is a still photographer with the 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Barry Loo)

Phoenix Ravens secure AMC aircraft supporting Operation Unified Response
January 26, 2010 — When Tech. Sgt. Toma Ferguson received a phone call Jan. 15 putting him on alert for a flight to support Operation Unified Response, he was excited about being able to provide relief and support to the millions of Haitians impacted by the Jan. 12 7.0-earthquake.Since leaving Jan. 16 on his first flight, the Phoenix Raven assigned to the 628th... MORE

Senior Airman Jacob Wright is a Phoenix Raven with the 628th Security Forces Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C. During the first 11 days of Operation Unified Response, Charleston Ravens flew 76 out of the more than 250 AMC missions into Haiti. Security forces Airmen who become Ravens have been through a screening process to include reviewing Enlisted Performance Reports, standardization and evaluation reports, a physical fitness test and a 45-day apprentice course before going to the official Phoenix Raven school. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marie Brown)

C-17 Stage office keeps fleet moving
January 25, 2010 — When Charleston Air Force Base became the air hub for C-17 Globemaster III's providing relief supplies of water, food and medical needs, the 437th Airlift Wing established a C-17 stage to manage the vast number of aircrews supporting Operation Unified Response."As support for Operation Unified Response became a large operation it became beneficial... MORE

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Charleston, McChord and Elmendorf AFB sit on the flightline after participating in relief efforts for Haiti, Jan. 26, 2010. Numerous C-17s land at Charleston AFB as part of a staging process in support of Operation Unified Response. See story page 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Michael Zimmerman)