Charleston AFB
Joint Base Charleston Relocation Information
The C-124C “Globemaster II” sits on display at the Joint Base Charleston Air Park Aug. 21, 2021 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The aircraft was assigned to JB Charleston from November 1957 to October 1969. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Tom Brading) Photo from Joint Base Charleston
Welcome to Joint Base Charleston
Joint Base Charleston, formerly known as Charleston Air Force Base, received its new name in 2010 when the Air Base merged with the Naval Weapons Station located just ten miles northeast. The Air Base is home to the 628th Air Base Wing, which houses the 628th Mission Support Group, Medical Group, and Staff Agencies. Its mission focuses on these areas:
- Installation support
- Airlift and airdrop operations
- Training Naval Nuclear Operators
- Deployable logistics
- Multi-mission warfighter support
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division walk to a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to conduct a static line air-drop during exercise Crescent Reach 16, May 26, 2016 at Fort Bragg, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson, Released) Photo from Joint Base Charleston Official Facebook Page
With its unique installation support missions (providing harbor security patrol, transportation isolation system (TIS), and the Cooper River dredging), the base houses and operates three trains designed to move crucial munitions, MRAPS, and tanks. It also participates in the Global Threat Reduction Initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Base Charleston
Two 628th Security Forces Squadron patrol boats drive in formation Feb. 11, 2015, at dock Charlie on Joint Base Charleston – Weapons Station, S.C. Photo from Joint Base Charleston Facebook
1. What is the top mission of JB Charleston?
In addition to participating in the Global Threat Reduction Initiative, Joint Base Charleston offers installation support missions to include harbor security patrol, transportation isolation system (TIS), and the Cooper River dredging. Its focus stretches across a handful of areas:
- Installation support
- Airlift and airdrop operations
- Training naval nuclear operators
- Deployable logistics
- Multi-mission warfighter support
2. How long has the Charleston AFB been around?
Joint Base Charleston has been in existence since 1931. At that time, it was known as Charleston Army Airfield. In 1953, its name changed to Charleston Air Force Base, and in 2010 it merged with Charleston Naval Weapons Station to become Joint Base Charleston.
3. How far apart is the Joint Base Charleston Air Base from the Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station?
Joint Base Charleston AFB and Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station sit approximately 10 miles from one another.
A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft deploys flares as part of an operational readiness exercise at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Nov. 17, 2018. Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas A. Priest on U.S. Department of Defense
4. What is the population of Joint Base Charleston?
The 628th Air Base Wing is home to 90,000 servicemembers, dependents, civilians, and retirees associated with four military installations, which include the JB Charleston Air Base and Naval Weapons Station.
5. What is the zip code for Charleston AFB?
The zip code for Charleston AFB is 29404. Other nearby zip codes include 29414.
6. What is the BAH for Charleston AFB?
BAH for Charleston AFB ranges from $1782 for E-1 to $2247 for E-9 with dependents and $1752 for O-1 to $2574 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
Photo by Cody Silver on Unsplash
Joint Base Charleston sits in North Charleston, just a few miles north of downtown Charleston. Cities like Goose Creek, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Ladson, and Hanahan lie closer to base.
Travel to the area is relatively easy for service members with orders to JB Charleston or families with visitors en route. Interstate 95 offers access for the majority of the journey into Charleston from the Eastern Seaboard. When flying, expect to make stops at larger airports such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport or Atlanta International Airport to make connections to Charleston International Airport in North Charleston. Direct flights do occur particularly for those coming from eastern cities, such as Washington D.C. Charleston’s airport is on the smaller side, easily navigable, with rental cars very accessible.
Map from jbcharleston.com
Charleston is home to a handful of military installations. Just outside the city limits are a handful of others, creating a wide military community.
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Image from Inns of Charleston
The Inns of Charleston accommodates incoming servicemembers and their families.
Location:
202 W Hill Blvd
Charleston, SC 29404
Phone: 843-963-8000
Joint Base Charleston Housing
Image from Joint Base Charleston Family Housing
On-base housing is privatized and managed by Joint Base Charleston Family Housing. You’ll find access to the playgrounds, walking trails, tot lots, and more within this on-base community.
Contact Info
Location:
1501 Touhey Boulevard
Charleston AFB, SC 29404
Phone: 866-209-5963
JB CHS-Air Base Military Housing Office
Location:
101 North Davis Drive
Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404
Phone: (843) 963-3866
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 12 p.m.
Joint Base Charleston Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Joint Base Charleston - Joint Base Charleston Homes
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Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash
While the culture of downtown Charleston might be appealing, cities like Goose Creek, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Ladson, and Hanahan lie closer to Joint Base Charleston and offer a shorter commute to and from base.
Base Search:
Joint Base Charleston BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Joint Base Charleston is near Charleston, S.C. with many options to buy or rent. The JB Charleston BAH is less than the cost of living in the area. Some sample BAH rates for zip code 29404:
- E-1 with dependents: $1782
- E-1 without dependents: $1455
- E-9 with dependents: $2247
- E-9 without dependents: $1986
- O-1 with dependents: $1854
- O-1 without dependents: $1752
- O-7 with dependents: $2574
- O-7 without dependents: $2199
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash
Charleston lies in a subtropical climate. The summers are hot and humid. The winters are short, wet, and relatively mild as the temperature rarely drops below 30 degrees.
Charleston also has a hurricane season, stretching from June through November every year. Flooding can be an issue because the city sits below sea level. Flood insurance might be worth the investment if you live in a high-risk area. Learn more about hurricane season on the Joint Base Charleston Hurricane Preparation page.
Joint Base Charleston Area Schools
Photo from Charleston County School District Official Facebook Page
There are no DODEA schools located on Joint Base Charleston. School-age children of servicemembers nearby fall within the Charleston County School District.
Map from Charleston CSD, SC
Joint Base Charleston School Liaison Office Information:
The School Liason Office (SLO) is a community facilitator, connecting schools, families, and community services to enhance K-12 educational opportunities for military children. They will assist with registration, graduation requirements, and act as a communication link between the installation and off-base schools. For more up-to-date information, visit JB Charleston School Liason Office.
Get information about private schools near Joint Base Charleston: Private School Review. Homeschooling families can learn how to comply with the South Carolina Department of Education regarding students instructed at home on their site.
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Support for Military & Families
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
There are a handful of higher education opportunities in the area, in addition to volunteer programs to connect with. While the national unemployment rate sits at 3.6%, Charleston rests below the national average at 2.9% as of March 2022.
A unique characteristic of Charleston is the predominance of colleges. There are multiple schools located in downtown Charleston, including the College of Charleston, The Medical University of Charleston, and The Citadel. Offshoot campuses and smaller universities lie in North Charleston and surrounding cities.
Some of the area’s top employers:
- Joint Base Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Boeing
- Charleston County School District
- Roper St. Francis Healthcare
- Trident Health System
Looking to volunteer? Try these organizations:
Higher education near Charleston AFB:
Other helpful links:
Things to Do Near Charleston AFB
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Photo by Emmy Gaddy on Unsplash
Joe Riley Waterfront Park: Classic Charleston park featuring the “Pineapple Fountain” near The Market with waterfront views of the Charleston Harbor. It’s the perfect place for picnics and people watching.
Middleton Place: Established in 1741, Middleton Place is the oldest and one of the most incredible gardens in America. It houses 110 acres of gardens, a house museum, stable yards, and the historic home of Eliza Middleton.
Fort Sumter National Monument: Fort Sumter is the site of the Civil War's first battle between the Union and Confederate armies. It’s an incredible place to expand your knowledge of the war.
South Carolina Aquarium: Visit the South Carolina Aquarium overlooking Charleston Harbor and view over 5,000 animals. Learn about Sea Turtle conservation programs from the award-winning education team.
Husk Restaurant: Unique Southern cooking is centrally located in Downtown Charleston. If you want to know what it means to “cook and eat in the South”, treat yourself to this culinary experience.
The Ordinary: A “Southern Seafood hall” serving local and regional foods gathered from fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers, and producers in the Charleston area. The Ordinary is located in an old bank with high ceilings and an oyster bar.
Charleston Beaches: It’s hard to beat a day relaxing at the Charleston beaches. Choose from Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Seabrook Island. These beaches are characterized by a 60 mile stretch of beachfront and include charming beachside towns with different sites and cultures.
Clerks Coffee Company: Located on The Market in the Emeline Hotel, this hot spot offers a great seating area, delicious breakfast and lunch options, plus a soul-warming cup of coffee. They also feature an “off the clock” menu of mixed drinks, beer and wine, and baked goods.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
104 E. Simpson Street
Charleston AFB
,
29404-4924