Joint Base Charleston launched its annual Combat Readiness Exercise, Palmetto Reach, on January 14, 2026, with eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft departing North Charleston. This high-intensity training tests the base’s ability to generate and project airlift power rapidly, including a 40+ hour max-endurance mission by the 437th Airlift Wing.​
Exercise Objectives
Hosted by the 628th Air Base Wing and 437th Airlift Wing, Palmetto Reach certifies the 14th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron for deployment readiness under realistic, condensed timelines. It incorporates air base defense, Indo-Pacific operations, and coordination with other Air Force wings.​
Local Impact
The launches began at 8 a.m., but normal flying operations continued unaffected for the Lowcountry community. Teams will operate in austere locations like Sipan, Croatia, and Alaska, returning between January 21-28.
