Photo By Senior Airman Carl Good | South Carolina State Senator Brian Adams listens to Col. Jason Parker, 628th Air Base...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. – Joint Base Charleston recently hosted South Carolina State Senator Brian Adams for a security briefing focused on the growing threat of small unmanned aircraft systems in the region, May 30, 2025. The meeting underscored the installation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with state and local officials to better deter and respond to unauthorized drone activity.
“The collaboration with Senator Adams highlights our shared priority of protecting critical infrastructure and the safety of both military and civilian airspace,” said Col. Jason Parker, 628th Air Base Wing and Joint Base Charleston commander. “This ongoing initiative is just one example of how we’re building layered defenses that combine advanced technology and regional cooperation.”
During the visit, officials emphasized the need for updated state legislation and interagency coordination to enhance airspace awareness and ensure swift response to aerial incursions. The discussions reinforced how vital these partnerships are to defending Joint Base Charleston, nearby Boeing facilities and key Lowcountry waterways from emerging drone-related threats.
In line with that commitment, the 628th Security Forces Squadron has deployed new counter-small unmanned aircraft systems technology as part of a broader Air Force push to bolster installation security. With $5 million in funding from U.S. Transportation Command and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Base Charleston will serve as a model Air Force installation for anti-drone capability.
Tech. Sgt. Xavier Alvarez, 628th SFS C-sUAS program manager, noted the importance of integrating state-of-the-art equipment.
“We worked closely with the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron to ensure our team is equipped with cutting-edge systems. This effort significantly boosts our ability to detect and respond to aerial threats,” he said.
The base’s new defenses include two key systems: Medusa Next Gen and the Ninja System. Medusa uses radar, heat imaging, and cameras to scan the skies, while the Ninja System identifies unauthorized drones and disrupts their signals, effectively grounding them. These tools allow base security to distinguish and neutralize potential threats while maintaining operations involving military aircraft, such as the C-17 Globemaster III, and commercial traffic from Charleston International Airport.
Joint Base Charleston continues to work alongside local law enforcement to enhance regional airspace security and develop coordinated response protocols. Leaders agree that technology alone is not enough—shared awareness and policy updates are vital to staying ahead of rapidly evolving drone risks.
As commercial drone use grows, Joint Base Charleston remains proactive—advancing its defenses, expanding strategic relationships, and protecting its mission and surrounding community through innovative, cooperative efforts.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2025 16:20 |
| Story ID: | 499675 |
| Location: | SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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