CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
More than 50 civic leaders from the tri-county area participated in a C-17 orientation flight here July 2.
The nearly two-hour flight "around the flag pole" took the leaders of various companies and industries on a flight up the coast, over downtown Charleston before returning to the base.
The group came together for the orientation flight as part of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Leadership Charleston. The year-long program offers professionals, from the local area, an intensive and up-close look at various sectors of the community. The Chamber has been holding Leadership Charleston since 1977.
They also have an opportunity throughout the year to explore and analyze how leadership roles in the political, social and economic areas impact the region, with one month devoted to military transportation.
Through the military portion of the program, members of the course have a chance to learn about the impact of the military in the local area.
"Since the military is a key local economic engine, it's a good way for the business community to get a unique perspective on the role it plays and how it impacts all the businesses in our area," said Diane Owens Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce director of member programs.
Though the flight gave the civilians, who normally may not be exposed to the military way of life, a chance to experience a little bit of that life, it was also a chance for Team Charleston members to show what it means to be a part of the Air Force.
"The role of Community Relations is to educate the public about the mission of Team Charleston and the Air Force in general," said Rose Alexander, 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs chief of Civic Outreach. "Orientation flights are crucial tools we use to show civic leaders first-hand the amazing capabilities of the C-17 and the huge impact it has on fighting the Global War on Terror and delivering hope and freedom world-wide."
The flight gives a better idea to the participants of what the Air Force does on a daily basis. For the flight, the participants were able to witness a combat off-load of a mock pallet and they were able to experience the flight with the ramp of the C-17 open.
One area professional thought the overall experience "awesome".
"I thought it was absolutely amazing," said Kimberly Riggs, South Carolina Federal Credit Union public relations manager. "I mostly liked talking with the Airmen on the aircraft. I felt so welcomed ... they were willing to share everything, and they enjoyed sharing [their experiences] with us.