Welcome

Welcome to Joint
Base Charleston

The Joint Base Charleston community encompasses more than 20,000 active-duty, Reserve and civilian personnel, spanning across its Air Base and Weapons Station. The Air Base, Weapons Station, the local community and the Department of Defense believe joint basing is the stepping stone to making Charleston a joint logistics, transportation and engineering hub and the worldwide leader in moving people, vehicles, munitions and supplies via air, land, sea and rail.

Unique with over 53 Joint Base Mission Partners, Joint Team Charleston is comprised of Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, and other DoD missions—all working together in the global fight against terrorism and for the spread of world peace.

JB Charleston – Air Base is located about 10 miles from downtown Charleston, South Carolina, on approximately 23,777 square acres of land within the North Charleston city limits in Charleston County. The base is 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.

The host unit of JB Charleston is the 628th Air Base Wing. The wing has two groups consisting of 13 squadrons and one wing staff directorate. The air base wing’s primary duties are to provide base support for approximately 79,000 personnel, including active-duty and Reserve military members, civilian government employees and contractors, military family members and retirees.

JB Charleston also hosts the 437th Airlift Wing, 315th Airlift Wing (AF Reserve) and 53 Joint Base Mission Partners. On the Weapons Station portion of JB Charleston there are approximately 11,500 military and contract employees and 3,600 family members. Mission on the Weapons Station range from a medium security brig to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training Command and Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston. The Weapons Station also houses the 3,000-person Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command which provides engineering excellence to the warfighter.

The Weapons Station provides installation management and infrastructure support, houses several major training centers and serves as an ordnance station with 269 bunkers and capacity for more than 60 million pounds of conventional ordnance. The station encompasses more than 17,000 acres of land with 10,000 acres of forest and wetlands, 16 miles of waterfront, four deep-water piers, 38 miles of railroad and 292 miles of road. It has an integrated rail-head, surge mobilization capability and the only unencumbered explosive arcs in the continental U.S.

The station has state-of-the-art facilities such as the $27 million Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. There are more than 1,600 buildings on the installation which encompass more than 42 million square feet and have a replacement value of $2.5 billion.

The station also has a joint mission as it is home to the 841st Army Transportation Battalion and the Army Field Support Battalion Afloat which coordinate the distribution of warfighting equipment from the busiest port in the Army. Approximately 35 percent of all Army combat equipment in the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom theaters was loaded through NWS Charleston.

With a mild climate, rich military history and a moderate cost of living, the Lowcountry also attracts many military retirees. The greater metropolitan region has a population of 500,000 and JB Charleston enjoys a great relationship with civilian communities and members actively participate in many civic, social and cultural events. The area is a wonderful place to work and live with excellent recreational activities on base and endless opportunities for leisure.

Again, welcome to Joint Base Charleston.

South Carolina
Climate and Weather

South Carolina’s climate tends to be humid and subtropical. Summers are hot and winters are usually mild. Average temperatures range from 68 degrees Fahrenheit on the coast to 58 degrees Fahrenheit in the northwest. Summer temperatures in central South Carolina can easily exceed 90 degrees, while coastal regions may be slightly cooler.

The tropical climate brings plenty of rainfall, although the coastline tends to have a wetter summer than inland areas. On average, 40 to 80 inches of rain fall throughout the state each year. During summer and fall, expect thunderstorms and high humidity. South Carolina experiences approximately 64 days of thunderstorms annually and can also be vulnerable to tornadoes.

In winter, snowfall on the coast is very uncommon, occurring maybe 2 to 3 times a year. The interior and mountain areas may receive as much as six inches in a given year. Freezing rain, however, is a common occurrence throughout the state.

Hurricanes

The possibility of hurricanes is part of life in the southern coastal states, and South Carolina is no exception. Preparedness and foresight is the key to managing hurricane season. In order to plan properly, review the following guidelines:

Advance Preparation:

• Consider flood insurance for any property you purchase

• Develop an emergency contact plan in case family members are separated during a storm

• Teach family members how to turn off utility connections such as gas, electric, etc.

• Build an emergency supply kit (see below for list)

• Prepare your home in advance against damage by putting in storm shutters, verifying electrical panels, outlets, furnace and water heater are above potential flood lines, and making sure entry doors can be secured top and bottom. A contractor can also be consulted for home improvements and preparation.

Emergency Supply Kit

Emergency supply kits should include water (at least one gallon per day per person), food (for people and pets), blankets, first aid kits, flashlights and extra batteries, toiletries and hygiene items. A full list can be seen at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

Hurricane Watch

During a hurricane watch, hurricane conditions are considered a possibility for the area within 24 to 36 hours. This is the time to review your family disaster/contact plan and check your emergency supply kit, as well as securing your home while staying tuned to local media and weather alert channels.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 24 hours. Begin precautionary measures such as storing valuables in waterproof containers, parking cars in sheltered areas or on high ground, and elevate furniture if time permits.

Evacuation

If you are advised to evacuate your home, follow the instructions of government agencies by using advised travel routes. Leave as early as possible to avoid traffic, flooding roads or fallen trees. Make sure your vehicle has a South Carolina map in it, and bring your emergency supply kit with you in your car. The American Red Cross will open designated shelters which will be announced on local radio and television stations.

When It’s Over

When you return to your home following a hurricane, consider the following safety precautions:

• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them at once

• Watch out for snakes, insects and animals that might have gone to higher ground

• Open windows and doors to ventilate home

• Take pictures of interior and exterior of home for insurance claims

• Drive only if necessary

• Use telephone only for emergency calls

• Check house for gas leaks

• Look for electrical system damage, as well as sewage and water line damage

Gator Warnings

Alligators live in many of South Carolina’s coastal waters. They eat fish, turtles and occasionally larger animals such as raccoons or deer. They are protected under South Carolina law, and it is unlawful to feed them, including throwing fish parts into the water.

They may seem harmless, but alligators are predators and one should always use extreme caution around them:

• Do not approach alligators, even the smaller ones. They can move very fast.

• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

• Never allow children to throw toys or rocks into the water, as the splashing may entice an alligator towards shore.