Air Expo canceled as crews dedicated to wars

Increased focus on fighting the war in Afghanistan has led to the cancellation of the Charleston Air Force Base's 2010 Air Expo.

The event was scheduled for April 17 and had been billed as an opportunity for the public to get close-up views of military planes and maneuvers.

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But the heightened commitment and personnel assigned in support of Operation Enduring Freedom means the 437th Airlift Wing is setting the show aside, officials said.

"We don't take the decision lightly," said Col. Martha Meeker, 628th Air Base Wing commander in a news release. "However, in the end, supporting the advancement of freedom to those who've never known what it's like to set their own course must take priority."

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Charleston air crews have airlifted more than 272.3 million pounds of cargo and more than 220,000 passengers in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Everybody's flying missions all the time," said media spokesperson Trisha Gallaway, adding that maintenance crews stationed here also would have had to service the expo planes while here, dividing their duties.

The outside planes would have been here for most of a week, affecting movements overseas.

Air base leaders hope to schedule another local Air Expo sometime in 2011 or early 2012.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@postandcourier.com or 937-5551.