Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure $1.9 Million For Drone Capabilities At Joint Base Charleston And Tri-County Emergency Management

CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 19, 2026) - Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) today announced Charleston County and Joint Base Charleston have been awarded $1.9 million through the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Military Enhancement Fund Grant to expand unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capabilities across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.

"This is a major win for the Lowcountry," said Congresswoman Mace. "UAS and counter-UAS capabilities are a priority for our national defense and domestic security. This investment positions Joint Base Charleston and the tri-county region as leaders in drone technology while strengthening our ability to respond to emergencies, support mutual aid operations, and protect our communities from the ground up."

The grant will expand Joint Base Charleston's existing Drone Operations Management System across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, ensuring interoperable drone programs operate in concert with the U.S. Air Force and the FAA. The investment will strengthen national security, enhance regional emergency response, and support mutual aid operations across shared airspace.

Rep. Mace's office wrote a letter of support for the application, recognizing UAS and counter-UAS capabilities as a priority for national defense and domestic security.

SEE LETTER BELOW:

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