News

US-German exchange pilots showcase interoperability
June 3, 2008 — Enhancing the U.S.-German military-to-military relationship and promoting standardization and interoperability of equipment were key themes of the Berlin Air Show May 27 to June 1. These themes have been realized through the U.S. and German exchange pilot programs decades ago but are overtly apparent here at the air show. Lt. Col. Marc Beutler is a... MORE

BERLIN, Germany - Lt. Col. Marc Beutler, German air force exchange pilot assigned to the U.S. Air Force, conducts post flight checks on the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster III after performing a flight demonstration at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 28. Lt. Col. Beutler and the C-17 are assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Corey Clements) (released)

Returning Airmen board C-17
June 3, 2008 — MORE

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Airmen assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing board a C-17 Globemaster III here, May 21. The Airmen, many of whom deployed under the Air Expeditionary Force 1 and 2 rotations, are re-deploying to their home stations following successful four and six-month tours in Iraq. The 332 AEW is the most forward deployed Air Force wing in Iraq. On a monthly basis, Balad logistics readiness experts process more than 950 cargo aircraft, 12,000 tons of cargo and 19,000 passengers making it the busiest aerial port operation in the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

Military Appreciation Night
May 30, 2008 — MORE

Col. Joseph Mancy throws the first pitch before the Charleston Riverdogs game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park in Charleston, S.C., May 29. The Riverdogs and Force Protection Industries Inc. organizations donated free tickets to thousands of base Airmen and family members to attend the game as a small token of appreciation for their service. Colonel Mancy is the 437th Operations Group commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch)

Returning home
May 30, 2008 — MORE

Airmen from the 437th Force Support Squadron return from a deployment to Southwest Asia May 22 at the Charleston, International Airport. The Airmen were deployed for four month as part of an Air Expeditionary Force in support of the Global War on Terrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch)

Base pool opens for the summer
May 29, 2008 — MORE

Anthony Saienni glides down the slide at the base pool May 24. The base pool is now open Tuesday - Friday, 6-7 a.m. for free lap swimming with no charge and Tuesday - Sunday, 12-5 p.m. for recreational swimming. Anthony is the 3-year-old son of Martin and Amber Saienni. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch)

Cargo outreach program can help units with ORI prep
May 29, 2008 — A major part of any operational readiness inspection is how cargo is prepared for deployment and redeployment. In an effort to help with this task, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron has developed the cargo outreach program. The cargo outreach program is a locally developed program designed to assist each unit get one-on-one time with the cargo... MORE

437 APS begins shipping MRAPs via ground freight
May 28, 2008 — Charleston AFB Airmen recently began shipping mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles via ground freight to Marine Corps camps throughout the United States and overseas. Since the Army and Marine Corps began purchasing MRAPs, Charleston AFB has been the only base with aircrews delivering the vehicles to deployed locations. But now the 437th... MORE

Brad Cochran secures a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle to his trailer at the 437th Aerial Port Squadron yard May 28. The 437 APS traffic management office has been coordinating shipment of MRAPs to Marine Corps camps throughout the United States and overseas to be used for training purposes. Mr. Cochran is a driver with Landstar Ranger trucking company. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sam Hymas)

Berlin Air Show kicks-off on a "high note"
May 28, 2008 — Aircraft soaring high over the crowd, music blaring at the highest levels and some pretty high profile individuals dropping in for a visit helped kick off the 2008 Berlin Air and Trade Show on a "high note" here May 27. More than 15 flight demonstrations wowed the crowd during the first day here including the Charleston C-17 Globemaster III named... MORE

BERLIN, Germany — German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel addresses the audience during a Berlin Airlift 60th anniversary ceremony at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 27. The ceremony, staged in front of the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster from Charleston AFB, S.C., highlighted Col. (retired) Gail Halvorsen, The Berlin Candy Bomber, (pictured on her right) and other veterans of the airlift. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Corey Clements)

Team Charleston officer takes command of 16 AS
May 28, 2008 — The 16th Airlift Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony May 22 here. Lt. Col. Christopher Mann, former 14th Airlift Squadron director of operations, replaced Lt. Col. Paul Eberhart. Colonel Eberhart went on to be a student at the National Defense University Joint Advanced Warfighting School in Norfolk, Va. Colonel... MORE

EOD detonates dangerous materials
May 28, 2008 — MORE

Staff Sgt. Carl Makins Jr. initiates explosives with an electric firing device at a secure location on Charleston AFB May 22. The explosive ordnance disposal team routinely detonates explosives as part of demolition qualifaction training. Sergeant Makins is an EOD technician reservist with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katie Gieratz)