300TH AIRLIFT SQUADRON Unit Location: Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Unit Size: 70 Officers, 60 Enlisted (approximate) Mission Statement: The mission of the 300th Airlift Squadron is to recruit, train and support combat ready aircrews in order to meet global taskings. Major responsibilities: The squadron's major responsibilities are to maintain combat-ready aircrews in support of ever-changing global taskings such as contingencies, humanitarian relief, presidential support and exercises. Highlights: The 300th Airlift Squadron always leads the way flying Air Mobility Command's premier aircraft the C-17 Globemaster III. If there is a major event happening in the world the 300th Airlift Squadron is there. We play a major role in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). In 2007, the squadron flew nearly 3,700 hours in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, delivering over 23.5 millions pounds of wartime cargo and 8660 troops and passengers to the fight. Our unit has provided critical airlift supporting well known Army units including the 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division. We have also provided support for Homeland Security exercises like ARDENT SENTRY and OLYMPIC TITAN. In addition, the 300th flew multiple missions transporting GWOT detainees to and from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When disasters strike the 300th Airlift Squadron answers the call for help. In the past we have flown humanitarian relief missions following natural disasters in the United States like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as delivering help overseas to Pakistan following their devastating earthquakes in Oct 2005. Most recently we delivered relief supplies into the Eastern European country of Georgia following their conflict with Russia. We also support ongoing humanitarian aid missions through the Denton Program, providing airlift to Central and South America, delivering clothing, food, medical and educational supplies, and agricultural equipment and vehicles, to countries in need. When the President and the Vice President travel we help get them there and back. Recent destinations include cities all across the United States and international destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Guam, Japan, Thailand, China, Budapest, Hungary, Honduras, Afghanistan, and Russia. We are also involved in supporting other top level government and military officials such as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Under Secretary of the Navy Dionel Aviles, and USCENTCOM Commander General John Abizaid. The 300th transported 199 U.S. citizens back to the United States when the U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation on all American personnel from Lebanon. Other missions include airlift for NASA supporting both the Space Shuttle program and the New Horizons spacecraft program. In June, 2007, the 300th took part in the combined national ceremonies commemorating the Allied Invasion of Europe in Normandy. We have supported the USO shows in Iraq and Afghanistan flying celebrities like Robin Williams, Toby Keith, Larry the Cable Guy, Joan Jett, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Christy Brinkley and multiple NFL teams' cheerleaders. Whether it is at home or abroad, the South Carolina volunteers of the 300th Airlift Squadron are there providing support for our nation's defense.