Location
Air Facility Charleston is located about 10 miles from downtown Charleston, South Carolina, on approximately 3,400 acres of land within the North Charleston city limits in Charleston County. We’re located in the heart of the Low country, the portion of historic South Carolina where pine and oak forests meet with the natural beauty of Inter coastal Waterway marshes and gorgeous barrier island beaches. With a rich military history and a moderate cost of living, the area has attracted many military retirees that now call the Low country home. The Navy has several units in Charleston, as does the Coast Guard. The greater metropolitan region has a population of 500,000 and we enjoy a great relationship with civilian communities where we actively participate in many civic, social and cultural events, such as parties or banquets, although for this the right decoration is needed.
History
The first flight took off from Charleston Army Air Field in 1931. The Air Force officially named its facility as Charleston Air Force Base in June 1953.
Mission
The 628th Air Base Wing (ABW) is part of the Air Mobility Command (AMC). The 628th Air Base Wing has two operational groups consisting of 13 squadrons and one wing staff directorate. We also host the 437th Airlift Wing, the 315th Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve) and 17 tenants. Together we provide a large part of Air Mobility Command’s global reach airlift capability. We are a key element in overseas contingency operations and in worldwide humanitarian operations. JB Charleston (AF) is home to the Air Force’s the C-17 Globemaster III.
Population Served
On the Air Base location of JB Charleston, our team serves approximately 3,792 active duty members, 3,977 family members 1,352 DoD Civilians, 2,198 AF Reserves and 100 Air National Guard. Because of our mild climate and moderate cost of living, Charleston has a very large population of retirees. Charleston AB also serves members from other military services. Tenant units include 1st Combat Camera, AFOSI Det 310, Area Defense Counsel, and Air Force Audit Office. On the Naval Weapons Station portion of JB Charleston we serve approximately 11,500 military and contract employees and 3,600 family members.
Base Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
Sponsorship
Your sponsor or gaining unit will provide you with a Sponsor Packet with extensive information on JB Charleston (AF) and the community, as well as area maps. If you do not hear from your sponsor, you can contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center for assistance at 843-963-4406. If your sponsor does not meet you upon arrival, the 24-hour check-in point is the Inns of Charleston 843-963-3806.
Upon receiving PCS orders, contact the local base Postal Service Center and complete an AF Form 624 for a change of address. The temporary mailing address for JB Charleston (AF) is: Rank/Name, PSC 1 Box 8000, General Delivery, Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404-5361.
Temporary Quarters
On-base lodging is available at the Inns of Charleston. There are three pet-friendly TLFs available for an additional fee. Reservations can be made in advance by calling 843-963-3806. If on-base lodging is not available, lodging will provide a list of off-base motels/hotels. Single members, E4 and below with less than three years active duty, will be assigned a dormitory room upon arrival.
Relocation Assistance
There are a multitude of resources and services offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other base agencies that will help you to make a smooth transition. A Newcomer’s Tour is offered on the first Thursday of most months for all newly assigned personnel and/or their dependents. Once a quarter the tour is offered on a Saturday. The tour is a great orientation to the Lowcountry and its rich history. The Loan Closet is stocked full of household items available for checkout until your own arrive. At the Airman and Family Readiness Center, newcomers can receive vouchers for up to 20 hours of free child care funded by the Air Force Aid Society. Spouse employment and education assistance is available for spouses seeking employment or continuing their education. The Discovery Center has computers with Internet access as well as a copier, fax, scanner and typewriter. Budgeting assistance and the Air Force Aid Society are available for unexpected expenses due to PCS. For more detailed information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 843-963-4406.
Critical Installation Information
Vehicle insurance in South Carolina is expensive, so be sure to research rates in advance so that you have sufficient funds available.
The new state-of-the-art Child Development Center offers parents of children 6 weeks to four years old a variety of wonderful child care options. The Youth Center for school-age children has a multitude of programs, activities and camps. Parents of school age children are encouraged to do their research regarding schools and education in the tri-county area. Where you live determines what public schools your child(ren) will attend. The school section of this document and the sponsor cd has more detailed information on local schools.
Since Charleston, SC is on the Atlantic Coast we are naturally in an area where Hurricanes are a possibility. Hurricane season is 1 Jun through 30 Nov. New residents should plan accordingly which includes preparing a hurricane supply kit, review your homeowner’s insurance and seek information on hurricane safety.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator 843-963-4406/4411 DSN 673-4406
Appointments (Central Desk) 843-963-6880
Certified Teen Babysitters (Ages 13-17) 843-963-5684 DSN: 673-5684
Child Development Center 843-963-4366 DSN: 673-4366
Dental Appointments/Sick Call 843-963-6842
Education Center 843-963-4575
FAMCAMP 843-963-5270/5271 DSN: 673-5270/5271
Family Child Care Program 843-767-2134
Family Practice Clinic 843-963-6790
Health & Wellness Center (HAWC) 843-963-4007 DSN: 673-4007
Hospital–Charleston AFB Family Practice 843-963-6790 DSN: 673-6790
Housing Office (CAFB) 843-963-3859 DSN: 673-3857
Lodging Office 843-963-3806/552-9900 DSN: 673-3806
School Liaison Officer 843-963-7231 DSN: 673-7231