CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Mission
If you ever have an opportunity to visit our aerial port squadron, do take the time to see what kind of equipment, tools and vehicles that are moving through that warehouse. Being there makes you truly understand the vitally important mission we have here at Charleston Air Force Base.
Our job is to "Take the Fight to the Enemy." Everything that is processed through our base is designed to do just that. In the warehouse, life-saving supplies are lined up in rows, destined for many locations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan (and we process more than all other bases in the command). After leaving here, Airmen on the receiving end, ready much of the cargo for delivery by C-17 airdrop to areas of the desert where it's too dangerous to drive to or that is inaccessible by roads.
That Marine staff sergeant in Kabul, whose name is on that pallet in the APS warehouse, relies on us to deliver the ammunition, food and water so his team can engage the Taliban in the remote mountains of Afghanistan. To him, failure is a life and death issue. If he isn't able to supply his men, they can't fight and the enemy wins.
If you look back at the history of our wing, you'll also see that the "enemy" is not always a terrorist organization. In almost every case of the United States providing aid for a humanitarian effort, Team Charleston lends a hand. Our mission is important and we've proven to the world that we're the best at delivering hope to those who don't think there is any.
After hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, famines or any other catastrophe, it's Charleston and it's C-17s that our Nation's leadership counts on to be the first to bring comfort to those who so desperately need it.
Every Airman knows what it means to put service before his or her own self. It's a value that has been engrained in our heads since the beginning of our affiliation with the Air Force. During these times of need, when the mission absolutely has to be accomplished no matter what, Airmen are at their best.
Can we sustain a career where we put the Air Force mission in front of everything else in every situation? Of course not. But when you understand that what we do here every day saves the lives of people who we may never meet, it makes putting that extra effort into the job a little easier.
Our people are stressed. I understand that. People have different opinions about how we are doing in Iraq and if we should even be there. Those are political questions that our civilian leaders will resolve. Right now our mission is clear and you can take it from our leadership downrange who say that we are making a difference. Our efforts to stabilize that region don't always make the news but it's why we are there.
Our enemies may continue to change but our mission will not. We extend the long arm of our Nation's might to bring justice. We help people. We deliver freedom. We save lives. Please continue to put your heart and soul into what you do. We are being counted on and must not fail.
Take the Fight to the Enemy!