Charleston Air Force Base South Carolina

Charleston Air Force Base is a military installation located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is also known as Joint Base Charleston or JB Charleston. The base is spread over 3,400 acres of land. As a joint base, Charleston Field hosts units from multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Charleston Army Air base is a vital strategic airlift hub, supporting military Aviation Aircraft operations. It also plays a prominent role in rapid deployment. It also supports the transportation of personnel and supplies for the Department of Defense. The base is a part of the Air Mobility Command (AMC). Charleston AFB’s Long-Standing Association with the Coast Guard should also be noted.

With its diverse facilities, the base has a significant impact on the surrounding community. It is responsible for employment opportunities. As a result, the unemployment rate is lower here than the national average.

In this article, we will deep dive into the history of Charleston Army Air Field, its amenities, and its location.

History of Charleston Air Force Base

The history of Charleston Air Force Base dates back to 1919 when it was established as the Charleston Municipal Airport. Originally a civilian airport, Charleston AFB served as a hub for commercial aviation in the Charleston area. However, with the onset of World War II, the airport’s role began to change. In the year 1941, shortly before the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, the control of Charleston Municipal Airport was assumed by the U.S. Army. The objective was to establish an air base for the training of B-24 crews. It became the host unit.

During that time, it was named Charleston Army Air Base or Charleston AAB. By 1943, the base was transferred to the Air Transport Command. Here, its focus shifted to the training of flight crews for the transport aircraft. After the culmination of World War II, the base was decommissioned. However, during the Korean conflict, a renovation project worth $28 million was undertaken.

The Construction Of Base Facilities started mostly in 1952. Facility Construction Projects were taking place throughout the base. The base was officially rededicated in the latter part of 1953. This marked a significant turning point for the base. It transformed into a crucial component of the nation’s Military Air Transport Service. Consequently, it served as a vital link in the transport network.

During the Cold War era, Charleston Air Force Base fulfilled its role as the home base for the 456th Troop Carrier Wing. This wing was responsible for operating and maintaining C-119 aircraft, commonly referred to as “Flying Box Cars.” The base played a crucial role during significant events such as the Cuban missile crisis. It provided essential support and gathered intelligence data. Furthermore, it played a vital role in the transportation of supplies as well as troops to Vietnam. The planes from Charleston AFB provided medical assistance to military personnel in Indochina. It was responsible for safely evacuating the wounded back to the US. The base became a key component of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), later known as the Military Airlift Command (MAC). Air Transport Group was established thereafter.

Additional Airport Improvements took place. In 1994, the Department of Defense initiated the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. This led to the consolidation of military facilities. Charleston Air Force Base and the Naval Weapons Station Charleston or NWS Charleston merged. This went on to form Joint Base Charleston South Carolina. It is a joint installation hosting units from both the Air Force and the Navy.

Over the years, the base has undergone many improvements. Some of the aircrafts that have been operational in the base are F-101 Voodoo Aircraft, F-16 Aircraft, F-86D Sabre Fighter Aircraft, Fighter-Interceptor Aircraft, P-40 Warhawk Aircraft, 444th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron’s Aircraft, and so on. The operational history of the base is vibrant and rich. Moreover, some of the service commands associated with the base are Air Force Reserve Command, Air Service Command, Tactical Air Command, Air Combat Command, and Air Defense Command.

Today, Joint Base Charleston continues to serve as a critical strategic airlift hub. It is home to the 628th Air Base Wing, the 437th Airlift Wing, and the 315th Airlift Wing. These units are responsible for maintaining operational readiness and providing support services. It is also responsible for conducting airlift missions using C-17 Globemaster III Strategic Airlift Aircraft.

The military history of Joint Base Charleston – Air Base is vast. It reflects its transformation from a civilian airport to a key military installation. Its strategic location and capabilities have made it an integral part of the United States Air Force. It is also an important contributor to the defense of the nation.

What is the Location of Charleston Air Force Base?

The location of Charleston Air Force Base is North Charleston, South Carolina. Some of the landmarks or nearby locations in the area are North Davis Drive, Goose Creek, Charleston Harbor, Davis Drive, and Lawson Drive.

What is the Address of Charleston Air Force Base?

The address of Charleston Air Force Base is 800 W. Hill Boulevard, Building #1953, Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404, United States.

What is the Contact information for Charleston Air Force Base?

The contact information for Charleston Air Force Base is as follows:

Charleston Air Force Base Telephone number: (843) 963-5729

Website: http://www.charleston.af.mil/

Further contact information can be accessed on the official websites of Charleston Army Air Base. They are secure websites.

How many miles from Downtown Charleston to Charleston Air Force Base?

Charleston Air Force Base is located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Charleston. The base is within the city limits of Charleston.

What are the nearest Airports to Charleston Air Force Base?

The nearest airports to Charleston Air Force Base are:

Charleston International Airport (CHS): It is the closest major airport to Charleston Air Force Base. It offers domestic and limited international flights. The airport offers commercial airlines for the Charleston area. It is the primary Charleston Airport offering Commercial Airline Aircraft Operations

Joint Base Charleston – Charleston Executive Airport (JZI): It is situated adjacent to Charleston Air Force Base. Charleston Executive Airport is an airport facility serving private and smaller aircraft.

What are the Amenities at Charleston Air Force Base?

Charleston Air Force Base provides a range of amenities. They are provided for the needs of their personnel and their families. Here are some common amenities you might find at Charleston Air Force Base:

Base Exchange (BX)/Commissary: The base has a BX and a commissary, which are on-base stores that offer a variety of items. Retail products, groceries, clothing, electronics, household items, and more can be found. These facilities provide convenient shopping options for military personnel and their families.

Fitness Centers: Charleston Air Force Base has fitness centers. They are equipped with various exercise equipment, weight rooms, and cardio machines. These centers promote health and wellness among military members and their families.

Recreation Facilities: The base has recreational facilities too. Gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, and golf courses can be found.

Education Centers: The base does not have education centers. But, it is surrounded by three separate school districts. The districts are not that far away and can be easily accessed. School-age children can go to these districts for education. Charleston County or CCSD also has schools. The Charleston County School is well-known in the area. There is also a child development center and a Joint Base Charleston Military & Family Readiness Center – Air Base.

Dining Facilities: The base also has dining facilities, including dining halls and restaurants. For instance, restaurants like C-17 Globemaster Grill, and Anthonys are very popular there. Regular chain restaurants like Subway and Burger King can also be found on the base.

Outdoor Recreation: Charleston Air Force Base also offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping areas, picnic spots, and fishing lakes are common in the area. These opportunities are there to promote relaxation and to admire the natural beauty of the place. Cultural events also take place in the base. To know about the Event Details, you have to contact their office.

What are the Duty Hours of Charleston Air Force Base?

The duty hours of Charleston Air Force Base on weekdays are 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, on the weekends, the duty hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main gate at Charleston Air Force Base, known as the Dorchester gate, is accessible from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Commissary Gate allows outbound traffic only on weekdays, operating from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You can arrive on any business day here during Charleston AFB’s normal duty hours. On the other hand, the Rivers and Hunley Gates are available for entry and exit purposes round the clock, every day of the week, regardless of the duty day.

What are the housing options at Charleston Air Force Base?

There are three types of housing options at Charleston Air Force Base.

Privatized Housing: The housing for military families is managed by private companies. Hunt Heroes Foundation manages and operates family housing at the Air Base. On the other hand, Balfour Beatty oversees the Charleston Naval Weapons Station. These companies are responsible for the maintenance, repairs, and construction. They overlook the overall management of the housing community. The military personnel now have the choice to reside in privatized lodging by entering into a tenant lease agreement. They can do this apart from the traditional options of purchasing or renting housing in the local area. The cost of living is a moderate cost.

Unaccompanied Living: The U.S. Air Force also manages Unaccompanied Housing (UH). UH serves as a personal residence, and the aim is to offer a contemporary, practical, well-maintained, and cozy home. UH is designated for unmarried service members in the ranks of E-1 to E-3 and E-4. These service members need to have service years less than 3 years. Each individual receives a private sleeping area equipped with furnishings and necessary supplies. This is to ensure a comfortable living environment.

Community Housing: There is also community housing available. The Military Housing Office (MHO) offers personalized assistance to all U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) personnel. The MHO helps in their search for appropriate housing within the local community.

Is there On-Base Housing Availability at Charleston Air Force Base?

Yes, there is on-base housing availability at Charleston Air Force Base. There are many options for Joint Base Charleston Family Housing. There is privatized housing available by Hunt Military Communities Foundation. Service members can either rent or purchase the home there. The inns of Charleston can accommodate families of service members if needed.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Base_Charleston

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston_Air_Force_Base

https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Units/Joint-Base-Charleston/

https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/charleston-air-force-base/

https://www.charlestonafbhousing.com/history#:~:text=Charleston%20AFB%2C%20SC%20History,-Charleston%20Field%20is&text=As%20World%20War%20Two%20progressed,Charleston%20for%20civilian%20airport%20duties.

https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/joint-base-charleston

https://www.pcsgrades.com/cms/area-guides/air-force/charleston-air-force-base-joint-base-charleston/

https://www.military.com/base-guide/charleston-air-force-base/contact/welcome-center/9690

https://www.charlestonafbhousing.com/gates#:~:text=Charleston%20AFB%2C%20SC%20%2D%20Gate%20Hours%2C%20Map%20and%20Status&text=The%20Dorchester%20(Main)%20gate%20is,day%2C%207%20days%20a%20week.

For more information about Charleston Air Force Base contact Heroes Home Advantages