Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Patriot
Vol. 4, No. 19
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Joint Base Charleston celebrates Police Week See more photos on Pages 10-11
U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman George Goslin
Members of the 628th SFS team carry a dummy during the Police Week Guns and Hoses competition May 15, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C. The 628th Security Forces Squadron hosted events including the "Guns and Hoses" fitness challenge, a shooting competition, chili cook-off and a retreat ceremony. National Police Week recognizes the services and sacrifices of U.S. law enforcement personnel.
INSIDE
Historic naval letters resurface in Charleston By Airman 1st Class Tom Brading Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
SAFTEY
Leaders emphasize summer safety See page 2
USS FRANKLIN
World War II vets remember their ship See page 6
FUELING UP Airmen fuel the mission See page 9
It has been more than 200 years since Navy Capt. John Paul Jones sailed the seas as a Continental Navy officer during the American Revolution. Jones' courage and professionalism laid the groundwork for many of today's U.S. naval traditions. And, like the captain's historic legacy, his personal letters have also survived the test of time. Relics of yesterday's American history are on display at the Charleston Library Society, downtown Charleston, S.C., where Jones' handwritten letters, can be found. "The importance of the Navy in Charleston dates back hundreds of years," said Hartley Porter, lifelong Charleston Library Society member. "Some may be surprised to know that downtown on King St., you can find crucial elements to the foundation of what is today the United States Navy." Jones, a founding father of the U.S. Navy, penned the 13 pages and they are currently being adopted by members of the Charleston Commandery, the local chapter of the Naval Order of the United States - a group dedicated to preserving maritime history. One of the letters was even addressed to Benjamin Franklin. The group plans on restoring the pages for future generations of history enthusiasts.
"The letters are an what ship he commanded, because intimate look into the selections were given by the precepersonal beliefs of a dence of the captain. proficient Navy leader," In the end, Jones' commanded the said David Porter, hussloop Ranger, though according to band of Hartley Porter David Porter, he would have preand retired Navy comferred a larger ship. mander. "Reading them "As a retired Navy commander, I made me feel as though couldn't imagine making such stateI was in the room, sitments about senior ranking individuting at the table as he als," said David Hartley. was writing them. It In addition to the brash remarks brings American history and lobbying for command, Jones' to life in a way a history proposes lineal questions of the Navy Courtesy photo / Navy.mil book cannot, because by highlighting efforts and accomit's the personal thoughts of a historical figure." plishments and notes taken during meetings. One of the letters, written in 1777, includes a One page even includes doodles from one of ranked list of 18 other captains, the highest naval America's founding fathers and chief of staff to rank at the time, with Jones' name at the bottom. Gen. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton . Jones' disdain for this was expressed by dishing The letters are scheduled to be on display for his opinions of those senior ranking officers. maritime history enthusiasts at the upcoming In Jones' own words, he describes that the annual conference for the Naval Order of the officers "superior merits and accomplishments United States, with the theme "From John Paul abilities on the list were at best presumptive." In Jones to Nuclear Power." other words, he wasn't impressed with his peers The Charleston Library Society is located at out-ranking him, due to the self-deserving 164 King St., Charleston, S.C., and admission is regard he had toward his own accomplishments. free. The letters are often on display, but if they He brashly expressed his views to Joseph are not, a researching fee is available. In addiHewes, signer of the Declaration of tion, the library is working to digitalize the letIndependence and Navy Secretary at the time. ters to be available online by visiting His emotions were fueled by the chance to pick www.charlestonlibrarysociety.net.
JB Charleston learns to be ‘Street Smart’
Weekend Weather Update JB CHS, SC
Friday, May 24
Partly Cloudy
(10% precip)
High 84º Low 56º
Saturday, May 25
Partly Cloudy
(20% precip)
High 78º Low 57º
Sunday, May 26
Partly Cloudy
(10% precip)
High 82º Low 63º
U.S. Air Force photos / Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas
Chris Stocks, Stay Alive from Education instructor, talks to Airman 1st Class Jack Steinberg, 437th Maintenance Squadron test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment apprentice, May 21, 2013, at the Base Theater on Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C., about what he would experience once he was sent to a hospital if he survived a driving under the influence accident. The Street Smart program takes the audience into the real-life drama experienced by firefighter/paramedics as they work to save the lives of individuals who have made poor choices when it comes to drinking or using drugs and the non-compliance of seat belts. A team of two state-certified paramedics walks students through what happens at a trauma scene using the medical equipment they employ daily in their jobs. From taking a pulse, to loading the victim onto a backboard, to simulating an IV-line being inserted, students can see and feel what it's like to try to save a life, and what it's like to be the victim. A Street Smart presentation was also held at the Joint Base Charleston Weapons Station.
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