A Team Charleston Airman performs final checks on a C-17 GlobeMaster III during a combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The CRE is essential to staying ready for real-world missions and ensuring Joint Base Charleston can deliver strategic airlift whenever and wherever it’s needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Team Charleston Airmen unload cargo during the combat readiness exercise 2026 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The CRE helps train deploying units to stay prepared to operate in challenging conditions alongside partners across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Members of the installation personnel deployment function line members process Airmen during the combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. By integrating mission support directly into operational decision-making, Airmen are empowered to lead and operate in complex environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Airmen process through the personnel deployment function line during the combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. By integrating mission support directly into operational decision-making, Airmen are empowered to lead and operate in complex environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Airmen process through the personnel deployment function line during the combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. During the exercise, Joint Base Charleston Airmen operated under tight timelines, simulated threats and limited resources, emphasizing excellence in mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Airmen congregate before being processed through the personnel deployment function line during an annual combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. During the exercise, Joint Base Charleston Airmen operated under tight timelines, simulated threats and limited resources, emphasizing excellence in mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Kevin Baker, 628th Medical Group public health specialist, briefs Airmen on health practices while in deployed locations during the personnel deployment function line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. The combat readiness exercise tests how mission support transitions from home-station enablement to expeditionary sustainment, reinforcing the need for agile, multi-capable support forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Kevin Baker, 628th Medical Group public health specialist, briefs Airmen on health practices while in deployed locations during the personnel deployment function line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 13, 2026. The combat readiness exercise tests how mission support transitions from home-station enablement to expeditionary sustainment, reinforcing the need for agile, multi-capable support forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Airmen participating in the combat readiness exercise 2026 board a C-17 GlobeMaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The CRE helps train deploying units stay prepared to operate in challenging conditions alongside partners across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Airmen participating in the combat readiness exercise 2026 board a C-17 GlobeMaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. Throughout the exercise, teams across the base will work through a variety of scenarios designed to encompass quick responses in order to support operations and project airpower on short notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

A C-17 GlobeMaster III takes off to its deployed location during a combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The CRE is essential to staying ready for real-world missions and ensuring Joint Base Charleston can deliver strategic airlift whenever and wherever it’s needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

A C-17 GlobeMaster III prepares to depart during a combat readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The CRE is essential to staying ready for real-world missions and ensuring Joint Base Charleston can deliver strategic airlift whenever and wherever it’s needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)

Team Charleston Airmen participating in the combat readiness exercise 2026 board a C-17 GlobeMaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. Throughout the exercise, teams across the base will work through a variety of scenarios designed to encompass quick responses in order to support operations and project airpower on short notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Harris III)