The Charleston region is home to 15,612 service members, 75,242 veterans, 15,505 military retirees and 5,413 Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, with the military community having a $12.7B impact on our region’s economy. The Chamber has been a proud supporter of our military and looks forward to its expansion throughout our region in the years to come.
To continue the Chamber’s support of the military community, a new position has been developed to help serve the Charleston Metro’s veteran population and further strengthen the relationship between the Chamber and the military community. The position will support veteran transition initiatives, establish the Military Advisory Council, work with defense industry partners and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for those in active duty, the veteran populations and their respective spouses and dependents.
After years of being a part of the Chamber staff, working in the role of Director of Emerging Workforce, I now have the honor of being tapped for the role of Senior Director of Military Affairs, as of July 1, 2024. My career as a naval commander and the significant relationships I’ve been able to build with the Charleston business and military community has equipped me to transition into this new opportunity.
As the military’s presence in the Charleston region continues to grow, you’ll hear from me on updates taking place around our communities along with how the Chamber continues our support of active duty and retired service members.
NIWC Atlantic Conducts the Largest-Ever, All-Domain Naval Integration Event
NIWC Atlantic is establishing the Charleston Metro Region as a Defense Technology Hub, a testament to our region’s growing importance in the defense industry. All-domain warfighting exercises facilitate the integration of multiple defense systems to operate in a system of systems. Events like this enhance the operability of Joint Base Charleston and strengthen its command control and coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Naval Domain exercise was expanded to include communications and coordination across the Air Force, Army and Coast Guard, increasing the mission readiness of all regional forces. Over 200 NIWC Atlantic engineers, scientists and technical managers collaborated to enhance and make it successful. NIWC continues to be a leader in innovation and integration, as evidenced by the smooth integration of 50 command and control units.
U.S. Coast Guard Commissions USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759)
The Coast Guard welcomed its newest Cutter into the fleet, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759), during a commissioning ceremony at Coast Guard Base Charleston, presided over by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan. The Cutter is named after the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Charles L. Calhoun. The primary mission of the state-of-the-art Cutter includes counter-drug operations and migrant interdiction. Calhoun will join three other Legend-class National Security Cutters (NSC) at the former Charleston Naval Base. The stationing of four of the newest and most capable National Security Cutters increases the strategic importance of Charleston to the nation’s security. The growing Coast Guard presence in the region will boost the maritime maintenance industry economically.
