News

Dirt runway testing increases C-17 safety, agility
December 1, 2006 — In an effort to expand the capability of the C-17 Globemaster III, about 40 people from the C-17 Integrated Test Force are in the midst of a four-phase test program to determine the C-17 takeoff and landing performance on non-paved surfaces. Engineers and pilots are testing the aircraft in extreme runway conditions to eventually write the book for... MORE

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off during phase one tests at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. Tests are being conducted to determine the C-17’s ability to bring a large force into a wet or dry dirt airfield without making runway condition corrections. Phase two is scheduled to begin Dec. 4 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka)

Flight fends off diseases in desert
November 20, 2006 — SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Attention Garfield, Felix, Heathcliff, Sylvester and Tom: Cancel your spot on the USO tour coming to Southwest Asia. Fast. Your agent should have told you: You don't want to be mistaken for a feline of mass destruction. For the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's entomology flight, work is all about the cats. Hundreds of... MORE

Staff Sgt. Robbie Crumpton, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, examines a "light trap" for bugs. The light trap allows Sergeant Crumpton, who works in the entomology flight, and the public health flight to see what sorts of bugs are in season and the potential for diseases like malaria and more. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jason Tudor)

Aerial port Airmen load oversized cargo on largest plane in the world
November 20, 2006 — MORE

Airmen from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, with help from Russian crew members, load cargo onto an Antonov AN-124 Ruslan, the largest mass-produced aircraft in the world. The AN-124 and its crew were contracted by the Tanker Airlift Control Center to airlift oversized cargo for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command to Iraq. (U.S. Photo by Airman 1st Class Sam Hymas) (RELEASED)

Flying high
November 20, 2006 — MORE

Col. Steven Harrison, 437th Airlift Wing vice commander, and Lt. Col. Todd Hackett, 437th Mission Support Group deputy commander, check out the newly painted plane at the Aero Club Tuesday. The Charleston Aero Club is one of the first in Air Mobility Command to have one of their planes painted. The Aero Club partnered with the Air Force Recruiting Service to paint the aircraft. The club received $55,000 from the recruiting service to paint five aircraft. The second Charleston Aero Club aircraft is presently undergoing repainting. To schedule a flight in the newly repainted plane contact the Aero Club at 963-5152. (U.S. Photo by Staff Sgt. Marie Cassetty) (RELEASED)

Team Charleston urged to be safe for the holidays, winter
November 20, 2006 — Winter doesn't officially begin until December 21st. However, wintry weather is already here for many of us and fast approaching for others. The cold, icy conditions lead to increased hazards and typically results in spikes in our accidents, injuries and deaths. To keep ourselves and our loved ones safe this season, we need to apply the principles... MORE

Education center hosts annual education fair
November 3, 2006 — The Charleston AFB Education and Training Center here, is hosting its annual Education Fair 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the education center. Participating schools include Embry-Riddle, American Military, Trident Tech, Park, Southern Illinois, South Carolina and many more. The education fair allows military members, dependents and other guests to... MORE

CFC makes all the difference
November 3, 2006 — Many people don't give much thought to Friday the 13th these days but for one Team Charleston family it's the day they received some terrible news. May 13, 2005, Tech. Sgt. David Dick, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics lead technician, and his family learned that his youngest daughter, Krista, was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the... MORE

Krista Dick (front), daughter of Tech. Sgt. David Dick, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, poses with her family at Disney World while on a Make-A-Wish foundation trip.

Aeromedical, C-17, critical care transport teams work together seamlessly to save Marine's sight
November 3, 2006 — It was a terrible scenario. A suicide bomber attack in Fallujah, Iraq, had injured a 21-year-old Marine. He suffered multiple burns to his face and hands, and blast injuries to his right arm with shrapnel embedded in his leg. But the worst part was shrapnel in his right eye, causing bleeding and a chance of retinal detachment, which would mean loss... MORE

Capt. Adam Bingham, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, performs preflight procedures on a C-17 aircraft for an aeromedical evacuation mission.

APS expeditors train to take on new roles, increase delivery speed
October 13, 2006 — The aerial port is the heart of any air mobility operation and now, through a velocity initiative inspired program, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron will beat faster and more efficiently. The Aerial Port Expeditor program, or APEX, is a three-week course that trains APS Airmen in the ways of the loadmaster. The APEX program provides the capability... MORE

Staff Sgt. Frank Douglass, 437th Aerial Port Squadron transportation specialist, keeps the winch line slack during Aerial Port Expeditor training on the flightline Oct. 3. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Sam Hymas)

Australian air force mechanics get C -17 training at Charleston
October 13, 2006 — Members of the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 5, are providing first-of-its-kind training for 24 Royal Australian Air Force mechanics with a custom-made program at their C-17 training facilities here. In March, Brendan Nelson, the Australian Minister for Defence, announced his country's purchase of four C-17s to enhance their global airlift... MORE

Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. David Roberts (center) and Leading Aircraftsman Michael Clarson (left), go over computer-based technical orders with Tech. Sgt. Troy Barber, 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5, at the 373 DET. 5 training building Sept. 29. Twenty-four RAAF members have been at Charleston AFB since July 31 receiving training on C-17 maintenance procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Sam Hymas)