Joint Base Charleston
Vol. 2, No. 11
Patriot Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, March 18, 2011
USS Farragut makes port in Charleston By 2nd Lt. Susan Carlson Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs At approximately 10 a.m., March 11, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), made port in downtown Charleston. The destroyer, based out of Naval Station Mayport, Fl., became the first U.S. Navy destroyer to be welcomed by Joint Base Charleston’s port operations. The ship visited Charleston so the crew could interact with the local community as well as provide support for the Citadel’s Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps training. “It is always a pleasure seeing one of our fleet ships break away from being out to sea and visiting us here at Charleston,” said Navy Cmdr. Charles Phillip, Joint Base Charleston Mission Support Group deputy commander. “This visit shows that what we do here at Team Charleston is critical to worldwide operations. We are and still remain an integral part of the Navy, providing the means, capability and functions to support the Navy’s mission and daily operations.” In order to support Farragut’s visit, JB CHS – Weapons Station waterfront operations coordinated with the U.S. Navy Second Fleet and the Charleston Port Authority as well as local law enforcement to ensure harbor security was provided, said Commander Phillip. While moored in Charleston, the ship provided a training platform for Citadel midshipmen, where they were able to see first hand what life would be like in the ‘real’ Navy. “Farragut’s visit to Charleston was wonderful and the purpose was threefold,” said Cmdr. William Daly, USS Farragut’s commanding officer. “We supported a Navy training weekend at the Citadel where midshipmen and officer candidates spent a weekend training onboard,” he said. “In addition, the Navy takes very seriously the opportunity to positively engage
U.S. Navy photo by Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Brannon Deugan/Released
Tug boats position USS Farragut (DDG 99) in Charleston Harbor as she prepares to moor in downtown Charleston, S.C., March 11. Farragut is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer with the primary mission to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea in support of national policy. See more photos, Page 5.
with a strong community like Charleston and to say ‘Thank You’ for supporting a great ship like Farragut. Finally, the visit to the Lowcountry was a fantastic reward for the crew for a successful 2010 deployment and a superb performance on an intensive inspection in January.” USS Farragut is named in honor of Navy Adm. David Farragut, who is well-known for his quote “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” said during the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. The ship was commissioned June 10, 2006, and its mission is to be prepared to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea in support of national policy. The ship is designed to operate independently or as part of surface, expeditionary or aircraft carrier strike groups in extreme air, surface and undersea threat environments, according to
the U.S. Navy website. In order to help the Sailors enjoy their time here in Charleston, JB CHS’s Morale Welfare and Recreation provided the ship’s crew with information on entertainment opportunities and attractions the city has to offer, Commander Phillip said. Sailors from the ship who were not participating in the Citadel training performed a number of volunteer services in the area, including visiting a local school and YMCA, educating the community on all things Navy. "The crew had a blast showcasing Farragut to a community like Charleston, which is so supportive and appreciative of the Navy,” Commander Daly said. “We also enjoyed exploring downtown Charleston on a beautiful March weekend. We are very thankful for the wonderful hosts in the people of the Lowcountry."
Leadership Charleston Class takes orientation flight with JB CHS Thirty-six civic leaders from the Lowcountry pose for a group photo during a C-17 orientation flight March 10, at Joint Base Charleston-Air Base. The civic leaders are attending the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce year-long Leadership Charleston class which offers an intensive and up-close look at various sectors of the civilian as well as the military communities. During the flight, they learned about the capability of the C-17 and the mission of the 437th Airlift Wing. U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Jared Trimarchi
Base Brief Notes 628 Medical group closure
INSIDE
The 628th Medical Group will close March 22 at 11:30 a.m. and will re-open March 23 for normal business hours. Please plan accordingly.
USS FARRAGUT More photos Page 5
Consignment Shop hours The store hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. For more information please call 963-3294.
SAFETY FIRST Enjoy the warm weather Page 8
Summer uniform policy
Change of Command set for Col. Wood
Per the Commander, Navy Region Southeast, the Navy shift to Summer White uniforms is April 4 at 12:01 a.m.
Mark your calendar as Col. John M. Wood will relinquish command of the 437th Airlift Wing to Col. Erik. W. Hansen, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Bldg. 578 on JB CHS – Air Base.
WORKING DOGS work out Page 12
ROCK SOLID JB CHS Airman excels Page 11
Operational Readiness Inspection Countdown:
37 Weeks
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