Air-show success drives traffic changes

Thank you, Charleston, for your tremendous support in making the "Wings Over Charleston" Air Expo 2008 a big success.

More than 139,000 men, women and children from the Lowcountry and beyond observed the world's finest military and, more importantly, met the outstanding individuals who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. In addition, numerous civilian flying acts and over 70 static aircraft and displays highlighted the day with their incredible air and ground capabilities.

For the first time in the Charleston area, the newest Air Force stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor, soared through the skies, demonstrating its awesome maneuverability. Not to be outdone, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flying demonstration team, the Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team, and our own C-17 Globemaster III displayed precision, pride and professionalism, making this a first-class event.

We had more civilian displays than ever, including the cutting-edge Boeing 747 Dreamlifter.

The life-saving mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles manufactured locally, added hometown flair to a show that included participants from throughout the United States and as far away as Germany.

Members of the S.C. Army National Guard, the Army's 82nd Airborne, the Charleston Naval Weapons Station and the U.S. Coast Guard were delighted to tell the audience about their exciting mission experiences.

A key reason we host this event is to thank the community for its continued support of the Air Force Base. It is also an opportunity for us to share our mission and the great impact our operations and our personnel continue to have around the globe.

It is a substantial undertaking for us, especially with 25 percent of our airmen deployed, so the very fact that we pressed ahead signifies how important we believe the Air Expo to be.

It would not have been possible without the support of thousands of volunteers and more than 50 sponsors and contributors. They donated food, beverages, hotel rooms, rental vehicles and, most importantly, their time and interest.

It was truly a joint and community effort.

Charleston Air Force Base is a restricted-access facility. A big challenge to the Air Expo is the overwhelming effect we have on local traffic.

We regret that some people experienced extended delays getting onto the base. More than six months ago, we began regular planning meetings with local officials and law enforcement to address the issues involved with an event this large, and traffic was high on our list.

This is my third assignment in Charleston since 1991, and I must observe that traffic across the region is much more congested than it used to be. Although our procedures did not change appreciably from our last show two years ago, clearly our event has now outgrown traditional thinking with respect to traffic.

Make no mistake. We took notes, and we look forward to working with local officials to significantly improve our traffic plan for the next Air Expo.

Thank you again for making the "Wings Over Charleston" Air Expo 2008 a tremendous success.

From the opening ceremony, brilliantly highlighted by the Naval Health Clinic Charleston Color Guard and the Navy Nuclear Power Command choir, to the final landing of the Thunderbirds, it was a proud day for your Lowcountry Air Force personnel, and I believe also for the community that supports us so much.

Thank you, TEAM Charleston, for making this possible.

JOHN C. "Red" MILLANDER

Colonel, U.S. Air Force

Commander

Charleston Air Force Base