CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Hello Team Charleston! This week, we hosted Maj. Gen. and Mrs. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, on their visit to Charleston AFB. Many thanks to those of you who worked so diligently to ensure the overwhelming success of this visit ... no one does it better than you and you prove it time and time again.
Thank you to those who participated in the Veteran's Day parade and the numerous observances in the surrounding communities. Our folks supported more than 13 events throughout the tri-county area held to commemorate our past and present veterans. The Charleston community shows us tremendous support every day, and it is appropriate for us to show our appreciation.
You continue to work hard as we practice for any contingency. Our mobility exercise started yesterday and will run through Nov. 17. I know we've stretched many of your units to participate in this exercise; however, preparing for all aspects of our wing's mission is necessary. We will continue to train to get ready for our big inspection in Aug. 2008. Thank you for your dedication to the mission and your commitment to make sure we "get it right."
Last week Air Mobility Command announced that beginning Jan. 1 most cargo destined for locations in Central Command will shift from Charleston AFB to aerial ports at Dover AFB and McGuire AFB, making them the primary aerial ports for channel cargo operations flying into the CENTCOM Theater.
As most of you are aware, the 437th Aerial Port Squadron took over the Dover AFB aerial port operations after their warehouse sustained heavy damage more than four years ago. During a two-year period, the 437 APS workload increased from 2,120 tons annually to more than 81,000 tons, making them the busiest Continental U.S. Aerial Port of Embarkation. They have sustained an operations tempo that was not meant to last indefinitely, and they have done it well, winning multiple AMC and AF level awards along the way, but it is time make the shift back to Dover.
What will this shift mean for Team Charleston?
It will mean that Charleston AFB will continue operations as the largest C-17 base in AMC. We will continue to be the major gateway for air shipment of thousands of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, designed to protect troops from mines and improvised explosive devices. In addition, we will continue to sustain current and emerging operations in South America and Africa. Our ops tempo will remain high as we continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism.
On a sad note, it was with great sorrow that I learned Staff Sgt. Justin Coleman, Detachment 3 Security Forces Squadron Charleston, had died in a motorcycle accident Nov. 9 while en route to his duty section at the Navy Consolidated Brig. My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Coleman's family and co-workers.
This is a tragic reminder that we must all continue to make safety our top priority and be vigilant of not only our own actions but those around us. This is especially important as we head into the holiday season. Many of you will be traveling to visit family and friends. Take time to relax and enjoy the holidays.
Wherever your travels take you, please return safe and sound.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!