CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston ... please join me in extending a warm welcome to the men and women of the 14th Airlift Squadron who returned home Sept. 3 from a very successful 120-day deployment to Southwest Asia. They really took our nation's Fight to the Enemy!
During their deployment, the 14 AS delivered more than 108 million pounds of cargo and transported approximately 70,000 military members throughout Southwest Asia. Additionally, they conducted more than 20 aeromedical evacuation missions carrying 14 critical patients, nine priority patients, 41 litters and 64 ambulatory patients to safety. Their amazing dedication even allowed for the transportation of approximately 1.87 million pounds of medical supplies, which were delivered to treat our wounded troops. Delivering Freedom and Saving Lives!
Members of the 15th Airlift Squadron deployed last week to continue these vital missions - efforts that continue to save lives and protect our nation.
These frequent deployments are a part of our Air Force mission. Charleston is a busy place and with the heavy operations tempo we support, it is imperative that we are all ready and able to deploy at a moment's notice. Just as important, however, is our ability to prepare and respond to challenges on the home front. As we begin to feel the effects of this year's hurricane season, we must continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of our families and fellow Airmen.
As Airmen, when we are tasked to deploy, we are vigilant to go through our checklists to make sure we not only have the right equipment to perform the job at hand, but we also take great care in preparing our families for our departure. In the very same way, it is vital as we are confronted with the possibility of inclement weather that each office continues to go through their Quick Response Checklists. These checklists identify roles and responsibilities for each work area, and provide an essential guide to ensuring proper measures are taken to not only protect base members and their families, but also base assets.
Though hurricane season can be a stressful time, outlining a family plan of action ahead of time is a great tool. In the case of an evacuation, know in advance where you and your family will relocate. Take the necessary measures to prepare your house for heavy winds and rain. Stock up on food, water, batteries and other essential items in the event power is lost. There are numerous resources available to guide you through the process - the following Web sites contain local information to help prepare you and your family members: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/guides.htm and www.charleston.af.mil.
We are a team - we must remain positive during these times, maintain accountability and, most importantly, look out for our fellow Airmen. Also, remember to check on families of deployed Airmen. Supervisors should continue to keep Airmen and families informed of changes in hurricane conditions and the necessary preparations that need to be made. Ways to stay informed include the Charleston AFB Public Web site, www.charleston.af.mil, the Commander's Access Channel 2 and the 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs hurricane condition Straight Talk line at 963-5581 -- all of which are regularly updated with pertinent information.
Team Charleston - Stay focused, positive and "hurricane ready!