News

Single-Parent Reservist rises above challenges to earn wings
May 6, 2019 — Imagine being a single-parent of two, completing a bachelor's degree and independently financing pilot training in order to accomplish the dream of becoming a reserve pilot with the 315th Airlift Wing, all within five short years. Being a single parent is no easy feat, but Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith, aviation resource management technician with the 701st Airlift Squadron here, accepted the challenges that greeted her. From parenting her two small children as a teenage mother to pursuing higher education in psychology and aviation, Smith has embodied excellence in all she does... MORE

Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith, aviation resource management technician with the 701st Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, stands next to a Cessna 172 before taking flight, Jan. 25, 2019, in North Charleston, South Carolina. Smith completed 72 hours of flight time through Charleston Regional Accelerated Flight Training and IFR6 of N. Charleston, S.C., before persuing a commision in the U.S. Air Force to pilot C-17 Globemaster III's while being a single parent of two, a full-time college student and an Air Force Reservist. (Courtesy photo/Staff Sgt. Shakeyna Smith)

Citizen Airmen to represent Air Force at triathlon championship again
June 1, 2018 — Maj. Jamie Turner, 317th Airlift Squadron pilot, once again was selected by Air Force officials as one of the representatives donning the Air Force sports jersey at the 2018 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship... MORE

2018 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

Women in Aviation Career Day continues to inspire young girls after 10 years
March 22, 2017 — More than 130 teenage girls from middle and high schools around the Lowcountry attended the 10th Annual Joint Base Charleston Women in Aviation Career Day, March 21. The goal of the Career Day is for young ladies “to learn and to be inspired, and to check out some the options out there for you as careers for different jobs in the future” said Col. Jeanine McAnaney, 315th Airlift Wing vice commander. The event, one of the 315th AW’s most popular community engagement programs, features leading and pioneering women in their respective aviation related careers as guest speakers. This year’s speaker was no exception. The Air Force Reserve’s highest ranking enlisted Airman, Command Chief Master Sgt. Ericka Kelly captivated everyone by telling her life story... MORE

Air Force Reserve Command’s Command Master Chief, Ericka Kelly shares her story about growing up in a poor family in Gutemala to her current role as AFRC’s top enlisted Airman and her civilian job as a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security. the Command Chief was guest speaker at the 10th Annual Joint Base Charleston Women in Aviation Career Day March 20 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)

C-17 pilot retires after more than 35 years of service
February 13, 2017 — The oldest C-17 pilot in the Air Force retires, whose departure marks the end of a legendary career. With more than 35 years of dedicated service, Lt. Col. Rick Davis, 317th Airlift Squadron aircraft operations officer, retired following an official ceremony Feb. 12, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina... MORE

(From left) Former 315th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Kim, mobilization assistant to the Air Force Reserve Command commander, officiated over Lt. Col. Rick Davis', 317 Airlift Squadron, with a retirement certificate during his retirement ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, S.C Feb. 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)

Comedian Dave Chappelle visits Joint Base Charleston
February 3, 2017 — Actor/comedian Dave Chappelle took time out of his busy schedule to visit troops at Joint Base Charleston Thursday while he was in Charleston for his stand-up comedy tour... MORE

Actor/comedian Dave Chappelle tells a few jokes and thanks military members at the Charleston Club at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Feb. 2 Chappelle was in town for his stand-up comedy show when he made the visit to see service members and federal civilians at the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)

Flying medics soar across mission training
January 17, 2017 — When they’re fighting for your life at 25,000 feet above ground, nothing is routine. Reserve Airmen from the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted medical training inside a C-17 Globemaster III, Jan. 13-15, 2017, while an aircrew from the 300th Airlift Squadron flew six pallets of humanitarian aid to Ramstein Air Base, Germany... MORE

Senior Airman Josh Lykins, 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician, provides CPR during a medical training exercise January 13, 2017, while on board a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Airmen from the 315th AES are able to conduct medical training, while in conjunction with real-world operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)