JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. —
Approximately 15 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 437th Airlift Wing and 315th Airlift Wing are scheduled to provide airdrop support for the nation’s global response force on May 25.
The C-17 aircraft are scheduled to take-off at 8 a.m. to conduct an integrated large formation exercise supporting the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s joint forcible entry exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
“Both the Army and the Air Force play critical roles as part of the nation’s global response force and have vested interests in making sure our readiness levels remain high,” said Col. Jimmy Canlas, 437th Airlift Wing commander. “Without our precise, reliable airlift, combatant commanders would not be able to get the right people and equipment to the right place at the right time. This exercise is another example of that strategic capability and joint training.”
The C-17s will depart JB Charleston and fly over the Cooper River Bridge from the South at 8:30 a.m. and then travel to Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, where they will conduct airdrops and low-level tactical training. Paratroopers and critical equipment will be dropped to simulate a joint forcible entry of the global response force. The C-17s are scheduled to return over the Cooper River Bridge from the North at 2:05 p.m. weather permitting and then land at JB Charleston.
The community is encouraged to post their photos on social media of the flyover and use the hashtags #C17flyoverCHS and #TeamCharleston!
The exercise has been coordinated with the Charleston County Aviation Authority and should not delay regularly scheduled flights at Charleston International Airport.
This year also marks the 82nd Abn. Div’s 100th Anniversary with several events planned including an Airborne Review during their ‘All American Week 100’ celebration at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Media interested in attending the departure of aircraft must RSVP with the JB Charleston Media office at 628.abw.pa@us.af.mil / (843) 963-5608 no later than Wednesday, May 24, 3 p.m. Media attending the event on May 25 must be at the Dorchester Gate no later than 7 a.m. A subject matter expert from the 437th Airlift Wing will be available for an interview after the multi-ship C-17 formation has departed.