LOCATION - Charleston AFB is located about 10 miles from downtown Charleston, South Carolina, on approximately 3,400 acres of land within the North Charleston city limits. We're located in the heart of the Lowcountry - the portion of historic South Carolina where pine and oak forests meet with the natural beauty of Intercoastal Waterway marshes and gorgeous barrier island beaches. With a rich military history and a moderate cost of living, the area has attracted many military retirees that now call the Lowcountry home. The Navy has several units in Charleston as does the Coast Guard. The greater metropolitan region has a population of 500,000 and we enjoy a great relationship with civilian communities where we actively participate in many civic, social and cultural events.
HISTORY - The first flight took off from Charleston Army Air Field in 1931. The Air Force officially named its facility as Charleston Air Force Base in June of 1953. For a thorough history of the installation, visit the installation's homepage. The web site is listed as a "contact" within the "Installation Overview" section of SITES.
MISSION - The 437th Airlift Wing (AW) is part of the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and is aligned under 18th Air Force. The mission is augmented by the 315th Reserve Airlift Wing which is collocated at Charleston AFB. The mission of the 437 AW is to command assigned airlift and supporting units; provide for the airlift of troops and passengers, military equipment, cargo and aeromedical airlift; and to participate in operations involving the airland or airdrop of troops, equipment and supplies. Charleston AFB is home to the Air Force's newest airlifter, the C-17 Globemaster III. Team Charleston's vision is to provide the premier airlift force for America from the world's premier base...One Family! One Mission! One Fight! For information on units assigned to the base, see the "Major Unit Listing" contained within the "Installation" section of SITES.
POPULATION SERVED - Our team serves the Total Force! A snapshot of our customers includes: approximately 4100 active duty members, 5000 family members, 1200 DoD Civilians, 2500 AF Reserves and 100 Air National Guard. Because of our mild climate and moderate cost of living, Charleston has a very large population of retirees. Charleston AFB also serves members from other military services. Both the Navy and the Coast Guard have a considerable presence in Charleston. Tenant units include 1st Combat Camera; AFOSI Det 310; Area Defense Counsel; and Air Force Audit Office.
SPONSORSHIP - Your sponsor will provide you with a Sponsor Packet containing a CD with extensive info on Charleston AFB and the community, as well as area maps. If you do not hear from your sponsor, you can contact the Family Support Center, for assistance (843) 963-4406, DSN: 673-4406. If your sponsor does not meet you upon arrival, the 24-hour check-in point is the Inns of Charleston (843)-963-3806; DSN 673-3806. Detailed check-in procedures can be found in the "Check-in Procedures" topic within the "Installation" section of SITES. Upon receiving PCS orders, contact the local base Postal Service Center and complete an AF Form 624 for a change of address. The temporary mailing address for Charleston is: Rank/Name, PSC 1 Box 8000, General Delivery, Charleston AFB SC 29404-5361.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS - On-base lodging is available at the Inns of Charleston. There are two pet-friendly TLFs available for an additional fee. Reservations can be made in advance. If on-base lodging is not available, lodging will provide a list of off-base motels/hotels. Single members, E4 and below with less than three years active duty, will be assigned a dormitory room upon arrival. The "Temporary Lodging" topic under the "Housing Section" of SITES contains detailed information.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE - There's a multitude of resources and services offered by the Family Support Center and other base agencies that will help you to make a smooth transition. A Newcomer's Tour is offered on the first Thursday of every month for all newly assigned personnel and their dependents. The tour is a great orientation to the Lowcountry and its rich history. The Loan Closet is stocked full of household items available for checkout until yours arrive. At the Family Support Center, newcomers can receive vouchers for up to 20 hours of free child care funded by the Air Force Aid Society. Spouse employment and education assistance is available for spouses seeking employment or continuing their education. The Discovery Center has computers with Internet access as well as a copier, fax, scanner and typewriter. Budgeting assistance and the Air Force Aid Society are available for unexpected expenses due to PCS. For more detailed information, call the Family Support Center at DSN 673-4406, (843) 963-4406.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION: Vehicle insurance in South Carolina is expensive so be sure to do your research in advance so that you have sufficient funds available. Child Care for infants is at a premium on the installation. However, the community offers multiple day care options. Parents of school age children are encouraged to do their research regarding schools and education in the tri-county area. Where you live determines what public schools your child(ren) will attend. There is a segment on the Sponsor CD that will guide you through your research as well as information contained within the "Education" section of SITES.