Military Appreciation Month 2024

May is Military Appreciation Month, and the Lowcountry of South Carolina has deep military heritage, with installations like Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Joint Base Charleston. From the role of Parris Island in transforming civilians into Marines to the Naval Information Warfare Center, our districts military roots run deep. 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (MCAS Beaufort) was originally established as Naval Air Station Beaufort in 1943 during World War II. After the war's conclusion, the base was deactivated, only to be reactivated in January 1955 as Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield. Over time, it evolved into a Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station in June 1956 and eventually was redesignated as a Marine Corps Air Station on March 1, 1960. Today, MCAS Beaufort serves as a hub for Marine Corps aviation operations on the East Coast. One of the primary commands at MCAS Beaufort is Marine Aircraft Group 31, which consists of fighter attack squadrons responsible for flying and maintaining active duty East Coast Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets. 

Parris Island, located near Port Royal, South Carolina, has been a vital component of the United States Marine Corps since its establishment in 1915. Initially designated as a Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island quickly became synonymous with the rigorous training that transforms civilians into Marines. Parris Island's training facilities include rifle ranges, obstacle courses, classrooms, and barracks, providing recruits with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their training.

Home to the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings, and the 628th Air Base Wing, Joint Base Charleston is home to the largest fleet of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, providing airlift and airdrop capabilities. Joint Base Charleston hosts over 60 Department of Defense and Federal agencies. Through initiatives like the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and the Naval Information Warfare Center, this installation contributes to the advancement of military technology and capabilities, ensuring that our armed forces remain at the forefront of strategic readiness.

This is just a small portion of the rich history our district has to offer. As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, our office wants to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the selfless dedication and sacrifices of our service members and their families in the Lowcountry. We will always stand by you and support you. Our country would not be what it is today without your service. Thank you once again for your dedication, your love for the U.S.A., and for defending our freedoms.

Happy Military Appreciation Month!

From Rep. Nancy Mace