On May 12, the Military Advisory Committee convened its second-quarter meeting, dedicated to the vital theme of empowering veteran-owned businesses. The committee made a strong commitment to support several key initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurial endeavors among veterans in 2025.

These initiatives include:

• Enhancing veteran entrepreneurship through supporting the Transition Assistance Program, designed to equip service members with the tools they need to succeed in civilian life.
  
• Bringing attention to the unique contributions of veteran-owned businesses through special recognition programs that celebrate their achievements and impact within the community.
  
• Organizing a networking event tailored specifically for veteran-owned businesses, providing valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration.

In efforts to bolster mission readiness and keep our members informed about the military missions in our region, members of the Military Advisory Committee, alongside the Regional Policy Committee, were invited to participate in a Senior Officer Forum hosted by the Chamber.

Senior Military Officer Forum Featuring Captain Jonathan Carter, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Stone

Captain Jonathan Carter delivered an insightful strategic overview of the Coast Guard’s role and provided an update on the CG Stone’s recent counter-narcotics efforts in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. As part of a significant initiative to modernize its fleet, the Coast Guard is embarking on a force redesign and restructuring, addressing the current shortfall in material readiness that is impacting ship operations. Notably, Charleston will play a pivotal role in this transformation.

In a remarkable achievement, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone successfully offloaded approximately 45,600 pounds of illicit narcotics, valued at over $517.5 million, at Port Everglades on Thursday. These seizures were the result of 14 daring interdictions conducted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to the apprehension and transfer of 35 suspected smugglers to shore for prosecution in U.S. courts.

One particularly impressive operation involved the swift interception of four go-fast vessels within 15 minutes, resulting in the seizure of nearly 11,000 pounds of cocaine. The elimination of this dangerous drug from circulation will prevent it from being mixed with lethal fentanyl, thereby safeguarding countless American lives.

The USCGC Stone, a formidable presence among the four 418-foot Legend-class National Security Cutters homeported in Charleston under the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, plays a crucial role in these efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, where dedicated Coast Guard boarding officers are trained to execute such high-stakes missions, is also situated in Charleston.

The Coast Guard’s commitment to increasing its operations targeting the interdiction, seizure and disruption of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs continues unabated. These substances not only fuel the illicit activities of cartels but also empower transnational criminal organizations to manufacture and distribute illegal fentanyl, presenting a significant threat to public safety across the United States.

Each successful interdiction sparks comprehensive criminal investigations by federal law enforcement partners, with numerous cases linked to the very organizations responsible for these heinous activities. The evidence collected from these operations has been crucial in tying these cases to cartels that have recently been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. Government, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These impactful interdictions have resulted in a staggering loss of over half a billion dollars for these criminal organizations while simultaneously providing vital evidence necessary for their ultimate dismantlement.

I wish to extend my gratitude to our generous sponsor, the ATI Foundation, for their unwavering support of our initiative to empower veteran-owned businesses. A special acknowledgment also goes to Captain Jonathan Carter, for his invaluable contribution to the Senior Officer Forum initiative. The continued support from our sponsors is essential for driving the Chamber’s Military Affairs Initiatives forward. If you are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities or wish to contribute to our military efforts, please reach out to me at dbrown@charlestonchamber.org.