What Military Bases Are in South Carolina?
Located in the southeastern United States, South Carolina is home to a significant number of military bases, each with its own unique mission and purpose. From Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps bases, to Coast Guard stations and National Guard facilities, the Palmetto State is a major hub for military activity. In this article, we’ll explore what military bases are in South Carolina, their functions, and their significance to the state and the country.
Army Bases in South Carolina
Contents
Fort Jackson
Located in Columbia, South Carolina’s state capital, Fort Jackson is the largest initial entry training center in the US Army. Established in 1917, Fort Jackson is responsible for training over 40,000 new soldiers each year in Basic Combat Training, One Station Unit Training, and Advanced Individual Training.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Size | 52,000 acres |
| Casualties | Served as a POW for 3 years and 11 months during the US Civil War |
Camp Geiger
Located in Rose Hill, South Carolina, Camp Geiger is a US Army Engineer training facility. Established in 1942, the camp is responsible for providing engineer training to active-duty and reserve soldiers, including construction, bridge-building, and explosive ordnance disposal.
Navy Bases in South Carolina
NASC
Naval Air Station Charleston (NASC), located in Charleston, is a major naval aviation training facility. Established in 1921, NAS Charleston is responsible for providing support to naval aviation operations, including flight training, hangar maintenance, and supplies.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Ranways | 10 |
| Crews | Served over 10,000 air crewmen in its aircraft carrier training program |
Joint Base Charleston (JBC)
Joint Base Charleston (JBC) is a joint military base operated by the US Navy, Air Force, and Department of Defense. Established in 2010, JBC is responsible for coordinating logistics, maintenance, and supply operations for both branches.
Air Force Bases in South Carolina
Sumpter-Shaw Air Force Annex
Sumpter-Shaw Air Force Annex, located in Summerville, is a US Air Force civilian support facility. Established in 1942, the annex provides administrative support services, including personnel management and financial management.
McEntire Federal Airfield
McEntire Federal Airfield, located in Easley, is a US Air Force General Aviation airfield. Established in 1941, the airfield is used for pilot training, passenger travel, and cargo transportation.
Marine Corps Bases in South Carolina
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (MCASB)**
Located in Beaufort, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (MCASB) is a US Marine Corps aviation facility. Established in 1918, MCASB is responsible for providing advanced jet training to Marine pilots, as well as tactical support to ground forces.
Coast Guard and National Guard Facilities in South Carolina
Cape May Station, Beaufort
Cape May Station, Beaufort, located in Beaufort, is a Coast Guard station responsible for operating the Coast Guard Cutter Arie P. Martin and providing search and rescue support to the region.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Personnel | Approximately 35 Coast Guardsmen serve at the station |
Governor’s Island Support Force (GISF)
Governor’s Island Support Force (GISF) is a National Guard facility located on Governor’s Island, Santee. Established in 1935, GISF provides support to National Guard operations, including transportation and logistics.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, South Carolina is home to numerous military bases, each playing a vital role in supporting military operations and training personnel. From Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps bases, to Coast Guard stations and National Guard facilities, the Palmetto State is a crucial hub for military activity in the southeastern United States. Whether it’s training thousands of new soldiers each year, providing support to naval aviation operations, or supporting ground forces with tactical training, South Carolina’s military bases are essential to maintaining national security and defense capabilities.
