Commentaries

Girl’s day out: My thoughts during an all-female C-17 flight
April 2, 2019 — On March 30th, I was fortunate enough to take part in the Women’s History Month incentive flight hosted by the 437th Airlift Wing. As a Public Affairs Officer we try to stay in the background and let others do the talking, but this experience could not be summed up in a caption and a hashtag. As I was contemplating the social media captions for photos and videos that I was going to publish later that day, I realized the overwhelming amount of feelings that I had about what I was witnessing... MORE

Several all-female air crews take a moment to pose as a team on the flightline March 31, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., before departing for an incentive flight celebrating the end of Women's History Month.

Passing on a few of life’s important lessons
October 19, 2018 — It is no secret that I like quotes. In the past, I have used them at our wing’s Newcomer Orientation, with recruits from the Developmental and Training Flights, and even at our Commander’s Call... MORE

Retiring Chief Passes on a Few of Life's Important Lessons

Positive parenting really pays off
October 12, 2018 — Positive parenting really pays off. This was evident by seeing the product of the hard work of Mrs. Aretha Adams, mother of JB Charleston’s newest commander, Colonel Terrance Adams. I had a pleasant conversation with her on Sept. 5, 2018, after the Change of Command Ceremony at the Charleston Club. I chuckled and laughed with her about her son sharing with the audience that there were “drugs” in his home when he was growing up... MORE

Col. Terrence Adams, Joint Base Charleston commander, meets with students from the Military Magnet Academy Sept. 5, 2018, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Opportunity, meaning, extraordinary people
July 27, 2018 — My family and I are thrilled to be back in the Lowcountry as part of the 437th Airlift Wing. As a way of introducing myself to those reading this, I think it is helpful to reflect on what first attracted me to the Air Force and explain why I have stayed on active duty for more than 20 years. I hope my reasoning will resonate with a majority. ... MORE

Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 437th Airlift Wing commander

Communication -- An Essential Element of Success
April 27, 2018 — I consider myself an optimistic realist, or a realistic optimist, depending on the day of the week. By that I mean that given any set of circumstances, a great attitude, focus and hard work can produce a successful outcome. When the task at hand requires teamwork (like most situations do), “good communication” is an essential skill required to... MORE

USCG James’ eventful 2017
February 14, 2018 — In late September 2017, the crew of the USCGC JAMES (WMSL 754) was finishing a deployment in support of the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere Strategy to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. Their results were impressive; directly interdicting 15 drug smuggling vessels, seizing 10,861 kilograms of cocaine valued at $320... MORE

USCGC JAMES (WMSL 754) anchored in San Juan, Puerto Rico harbor. The James arrived in Puerto Rico to assist in the humanitarian and disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.

High-Touch Leadership
February 9, 2018 — Technology has revolutionized our lives and the Air Force. Our high-tech culture and military are capable of unprecedented effectiveness and agility due to the speed of communication. In many facets of our personal and professional lives, technology gives us the ability to communicate rapidly and accomplish a variety of tasks with minimal personal... MORE

Thank you for a strong 2017
February 2, 2018 — It is customary, as each year comes to a close, to reflect on the challenges faced and the successes achieved throughout the year. Before I could share my thoughts about 2017 with you, however, Winter Storm Grayson provided Joint Base Charleston our first challenge of 2018. As always, the entire JB Charleston team responded positively, allowing us... MORE

Command Career Counselors prepare Sailors
January 31, 2018 — The Navy Command Career Counselor is the critical link between an individual Sailor, his or her command and supporting Navy organizations. Their ultimate goal is to develop Sailors who are properly prepared for career milestones directly linked to advancement. The personal goal I set prior to arriving at every command is to earn the Retention... MORE

SPAWAR 2017 year in review
January 30, 2018 — 2017 was another remarkable year for SPAWAR Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic and I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the highlights with our Joint Base Charleston partners.We have major programs underway around the world involving command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR)... MORE

U.S. Navy Capt. Scott D. Heller, commanding officer