Joint Base Charleston

The 437th and 315th Airlift Wings provide rapid global mobility using the largest fleet of the C-17 Globemaster III. They bring armored vehicles, medical efforts, paratroopers and cargo where it’s needed.

The 628th Air Base Wing and the Naval Support Activity provide installation support services to 67 distinct organizations/mission partners, ALL service branches, and approximately 90K service members, retirees, and families. Approximately 20% of all jobs in the Charleston Metropolitan area are tied to Joint Base Charleston. Joint Base Charleston contributes $11.1 billion annually to the local economy.

The Navy Nuclear Power Training Command, (NNPTC), trains Navy officers and enlisted in the science and engineering of the design, operations, and maintenance of the naval nuclear propulsion plants. More than 3K sailors graduate and continue on to the Nuclear Power Training Unit, (NPTU). At NPTU, students receive hands on training with two moored nuclear training submarines. These students will go on to execute the DoD’s no-fail nuclear mission.

Joint Base Charleston is a hub for the storage, maintenance, and export of military supplies and armored vehicles. Military cargo is loaded aboard Navy pre-positioning ships and supplied around the world.

The Naval Health Clinic provides health care services to 12K enrollees and 5K naval nuclear students.

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) creates innovative solutions for the modern-day warfighter. Some of these solutions include satellite systems, undersea surveillance, and remote sensors.

Additionally, the Coast Guard partners with Joint Base Charleston units on river security and law enforcement operations.

Cell phone use while driving on the AB and WS is restricted to hands-free usage.

Vehicle insurance in South Carolina is expensive, so be sure to research rates in advance so that you have sufficient funds available.

The state-of-the-art Child Development Center offers parents of children 6 weeks to five years old a variety of wonderful child care options. The Youth Center for school-age children has a multitude of programs, activities and camps. Personnel relocating to JB Charleston who have a need for child care must request care at MilitaryChildCare.com. This single online gateway provides access to comprehensive information on military operated and military subsidized child care options available worldwide. Once in the site, the sponsor will be asked to create a household account and password unique to his/her family. When space is available in the facility of choice, MCC will send a notification message to the email provided. A Resource and Referral Representative will follow up with information on the registration and orientation process. Please visit the site to request care in any of the Joint Base child care programs.

Parents of school age children are encouraged to do their research regarding schools and education in the tri-county area. Where you live determines what public schools your child(ren) will attend. The school section of this document has more detailed information on the local schools.

Since Charleston, SC is on the Atlantic Coast we are naturally in an area where Hurricanes are a possibility. Hurricane season is 1 Jun through 30 Nov. New residents should plan accordingly which includes preparing a hurricane supply kit, review your homeowner's insurance and seek information on hurricane safety.  Also refer to South Carolina's annual hurricane guide during the hurricane season.https://www.scemd.org

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

Post Office - General Delivery Address

Upon receiving Permanent Change of Station orders, contact the local base Postal Service Center and complete an AF Form 624 for a change of address. The temporary mailing address for Joint Base Charleston is: Rank/Name, Postal Service Center 1 Box 8000, General Delivery, Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404-5361. You can reach the Joint Base Charleston Postal Service Center at 843-963-4357, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. If needed, your sponsor can and should assist you.