Charleston Reporter

The Chamber recently hosted Col. Jason Parker, the new commander of Joint Base Charleston (JBC), as part of its Impact Series event, Change of Command. The Impact Series aims to inform the Charleston region about key issues, challenges, and opportunities that affect the business community. During this third Impact event, Col. Parker shared his vision for JBC over the next two years and discussed his career leading up to becoming commander.

Col. Parker recounted joining the Air Force at 17, despite his family's deep ties to the Navy, where he would have been a fourth-generation member. Now, after 32 years of service, he commands JBC—a role that he humorously noted finally brings him back into his family's good graces since Naval operations in Charleston fall under his jurisdiction.

Charleston is Col. Parker’s 16th duty station in his career; before relocating to the region, he and his family were stationed in Tampa, FL.

Col. Parker outlined his vision for JBC as the Department of Defense’s Premier Power Projection Platform. He emphasized JBC’s strategic importance in delivering military presence swiftly—whether it be weapons, personnel or humanitarian aid—highlighting its crucial role in deterring potential adversaries by demonstrating the United States’ readiness to take significant action at any moment.

He praised the Charleston region's ongoing support for servicemembers and their families. Despite commutes to the base, many servicemembers choose to live in communities they love due to this support, particularly during challenging times. He also expressed gratitude towards the Chamber and its members for their efforts in areas such as childcare and attainable housing which benefit servicemembers, retirees and veterans.

During his tenure at JBC, Col. Parker plans to focus on three key areas:

Col. Parker acknowledged Joint Base Charleston's significant economic impact on the region and plans to quantify how local communities influence JBC moving forward. One example of outreach is the Charleston Airshow held every two years—a chance for JBC to engage with and thank the community for its unwavering support.

Col. Parker’s leadership marks a new chapter for Joint Base Charleston with continued strong partnership anticipated between him and the Charleston Metro Chamber.

For more information about the Chamber’s military work visit www.charlestonchamber.org/military.

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