August 5 - 18, 2016 - The Patriot (Joint Base Charleston)

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Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Vol. 7, No. 15

Patriot Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!

August 5, 2016

Alligator safety through Charlie & family

One of Charlie’s offspring looks at the camera June 29, 2016 at Joint Base Charleston – Weapons Station. Charlie, a captive alligator weighing an estimated 600 pounds, is more than 12 feet long and has been a military resident since the early 1960’s at what was once the U.S. Army Ordnance Depot, which later became the Naval Weapons Station, and is now JB Charleston – Weapons Station.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Trimarchi Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

Joint Base Charleston has a long history of participating in national and local military operations, causing a constant flux in the service members and civilian personnel carrying out the mission. However, one resident on the installation has seen it all since the 1960's. Charlie the alligator, who weighs an estimated 600 pounds and is more than 12 feet long, has been stationed here since the base was the U.S. Army Ordnance Depot. Later the depot became the Naval Weapons Station, and is now JB Charleston - Weapons Station. "Charlie, a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources permitted captive alligator, is the unofficial mascot of the Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station," said Terrence

Larimer, the 628th Civil Engineering Squadron Natural and Cultural Resources Manager. "He's not the longest alligator I've seen but he is a very heavy and stocky alligator." Although no one really knows for sure how long Charlie has been here or how old he is, former employees of the Army Ammo Depot said he was put into his pond in the early 60's when he was three-to-four feet long, Larimer commented. Rumor has it, Charlie was named after Pier Charlie at the JB Charleston - WS, where he was found during a construction project. Charlie's Place, the name of his pond, was renovated in 2011 and is actually a storm water retention pond which measures nearly half an acre. The area acts as a relief for flooding during heavy rains. The pond is surrounded by a 6foot tall fence and is reinforced with rebar.

Lt. Col. Brennan, 628th CES commander, said ""Our engineers regularly inspect the fence there, along with all fence lines on JB Charleston, to ensure they are secure. This is part of our regular preventive maintenance program." Charlie shares his place with his better half and numerous offspring. "Charlie seems to be happy in there and he can't escape," Larimer said. "Charlie's Place is visited by many base patrons as well as people who are from out of state or out of town. We take people to see Charlie because he is the "go to guy" for people wanting to see an alligator...and he is an impressive alligator." Charlie and his family are fed by JB Charleston Volunteer Game Wardens who provide them with meals consisting mainly of the remains of animals found by the roadside. See Charlie, Page 9

NSA Charleston receives new commander

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean M. Stafford Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Charleston held a change of command and retirement ceremony at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum aboard the USS Yorktown (CV 10), Aug 31, 2016. Capt. Robert Hudson, former Naval Power Training Unit

Charleston commander, relieved Capt. Timothy G. Sparks as Commanding Officer, NSA Charleston and Joint Base Charleston Deputy Commander. Rear Admiral Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, delivered the change of command ceremony's keynote address. In her remarks, she acknowledged Spark's numerous accomplishments, commended him for his commitment to the U.S. Navy and his personification of the leadership. "Today we are combining two significant milestones a change of command and a

retirement ceremony. Both are time-honored traditions and our profession at arms believes deeply in their importance," said Jackson. "So first let's talk about command. Command is the crowning achievement in an officer's career where only the best of the best are chosen." Jackson continued, "It is a job that brings immense personal satisfaction and unrelenting pressure. The highest highs and lowest lows are experienced in command. In the words of President Harry S. Truman, ‘The buck stops here.’ Because you are one of the best of the best, along with your responsibility as the NSA commander, we See NSA Commander, Page 5

U.S. Air Force photos / Staff Sgt. Jared Trimarchi

Protocol Chief remembers 34 years

Retirement

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C-17 gains valuable training

RED FLAG

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U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Jared Trimarchi

Airmen walk towards the USS Yorktown before the Naval Support Activity Charleston change of command, July 21, 2016, Charleston, S.C.

Air Force Teen resiliency course

BOUNCE

Next Issue of the Patriot: August 19, 2016

INSIDE

U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Hudson, left, takes command of Naval Support Activity Charleston with a salute to his predecessor Capt. Timothy Sparks. Rear Admiral Mary Jackson, Navy Region Southeast commander, observes during a change of command ceremony, July 21, 2016 aboard the USS Yorktown, Charleston, S.C. Hudson previously served as the Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston commander. Sparks is retiring after 38 years of military service.

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WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATE for Joint Base Charleston, SC Scattered T-Storms

Friday, August 5

(60% precip)

High 88º Low 76º

Scattered T-Storms

Saturday, August 6

(60% precip)

High 89º Low 77º

Extended Forecast

Scattered T-Storms

Sunday, August 7

(60% precip)

High 91º Low 76º

Mon. - August 8 89°/75° - Scattered T-Storms (60%) Tue. - August 9 89°/76° - Scattered T-Storms (60%) Wed. - August 10 92°/76° - Scattered T-Storms (60%) Thur. - August 11 92°/77° - Scattered T-Storms (60%) Fri. - August 12 92°/78° - Scattered T-Storms (40%)

See Joint Base Charleston at www.Facebook/TeamCharleston - Follow Discussions, Connect With Your Base! CYAN-AOOO

MAGENTA-OAOO

YELLOW-OOAO

BLACK 01/29/08


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