Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Vol. 4, No. 49
Patriot Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, December 20, 2013
‘Spirit of Charleston’ honored
U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Anthony Hyatt
C-17 Globemaster III, Aircraft 9192, is doused with water by fire trucks during a ceremony Dece. 18, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston – Air Base, S.C. The aircraft, nicknamed the “Spirit of Charleston,” was the first C-17 in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory and has flown missions throughout the world for more than two decades. Those missions have totaled more than 20,000 flight hours.
Airlift milestone: JB Charleston C-17 reaches 20,000 flight hours By Senior Airman Tom Brading Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
The first C-17 Globemaster III to join the Air Force fleet, "The Spirit of Charleston," reached new heights recently by logging more than 20,000 flight hours. This achievement marks the first C-17 to reach this milestone, and to honor the achievement Team Charleston celebrated with a small ceremony Dec. 18, 2013, at JB Charleston - Air Base, S.C. "Prior to an expected service life extension, a C-17 is estimated to fly 30,000 flight hours during its service," said Norman Moore, 437th Maintenance Group deputy director. "Even though The Spirit of Charleston has been through two thirds of its expected run, it still has a long life ahead." "Today is an important milestone both for our Air Force and for aviation history in general," said Col. Darren Hartford, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "And, while we celebrate this historical achievement, let us remember that this 20,000 hour feat has far less to do with the crafted aluminum, composites, and super alloys that make up the C-
17 behind me, and everything to do with the brave men and women who fix, fill, and fly it, all over the world, every day, in service to our nation." "The Spirit of Charleston" career began upon its arrival at Charleston Air Force Base on Flag Day, June 14, 1993. The aircraft, 9192, spent its first two years at Charleston AFB being used for training of maintenance and aircrew personnel until its first call to action in 1995, during Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "During Joint Endeavor, 9192, along with other aircraft, was operating in the harsh, cold climate of western Europe in an actual combat environment while landing on unimproved runways," said Moore. "The unique capabilities and maintainability made it a force multiplier that showed its potential of meeting future challenges." Future challenges quickly arose during Operation Scorpion I, II, III and IV from 1997 to 1998 (in response to Saddam Hussein's defiance of not allowing weapons inspectors into Iraq), Operation Joint See Milestone, Page 4
U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Tom Brading
Master Sgt. Horace Bell, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, taxis in a C-17 Globemaster III Dec. 18, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston – Air Base, S.C.
JB Charleston Sailors respond to local vet in need Story and photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Pastrick Naval Nuclear Power Training Command public affairs
With the sounds and smells of a backyard barbecue filling the air, nearly 50 people gathered for a steak dinner in an unassuming room in the LowCountry Chief Petty Officer Association building on Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station. Conversations, laughs and a meal were shared by individuals of all ages in the tightly packed dining area. The full-house seating was evidence that this dinner served not only to satisfy the hunger of these people, but to answer the much deeper call to help a fellow service member in need. This past November, a television news program aired the story of Walker Grainger, a 74-year-old Army veteran who has been living without power and water since March, 2012. Grainger stays warm by burying himself in blankets and staying in bed until noon when the sun finally warms his home. On especially cold days, Grainger indulges in the luxury of briefly running his car to be temporarily warmed by the heater. After hearing the story, local service members opened their hearts and their wallets to help a struggling veteran. "We've only had about a week to put everything together, but our chiefs, retirees and submarine veterans have really come together to support and help out," said Master Chief Petty Officer Robert Bostic, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston command master chief. Bostic and his fellow Navy chiefs took to the grills and offered up steak dinners as a fundraiser in hopes of making a difference. Some in attendance were already familiar with Grainger's story from the local news story, but many arrived only with a word-of-mouth understanding that a veteran had fallen on hard times. These Sailors gathered to help their brother-in-arms regardless of the branch he served in. Their desire to help him crossed both generational gaps and military branches. "Anytime I hear something like this, I'm willing to help," said retired Chief Petty Officer Joe Lunn, a member of United States Submarine Veterans Inc., the nation's second-largest organization for submarine veterans located in Charleston. And junior service members on JB Charleston, those who are just starting their military career, had a first-hand opportunity to see and understand the bonds formed by those who have served before them. "It's good for the young Sailors to see a legacy like this - good to see where you're going," said retired Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronnie Kerstetter, also a member of the USSVI. "You don't see this camaraderie when you're first starting out, but it builds over time and really develops continuity and cohesiveness." The steak dinner event raised nearly $1,500, all of which was donated to Grainger. However, more can be done. If you would like to help, call Veronica Macias at 297-2970.
INSIDE
Master Chief Petty Officer Robert Bostic, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston command master chief (right), grills steaks at a fundraising event held by the LowCountry Chief Petty Officer Association at Joint Base Charleston – Weapons Station, Goose Creek, S.C. The event held Dec. 6, 2013, raised nearly $1,500 for local Army veteran Walker Grainger who has recently fallen on hard times and was featured in a local news story.
WIND THE CLOCK Time to reflect and prepare
EXCELLENCE
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JB Charleston proves readiness
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A LOOK BACK Highlights of 2013 at JB Charleston
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Note: The Patriot will be on hiatus for the remainder of the year. The next issue will be January 10, 2014. CYAN-AOOO
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BLACK 01/29/08