Military
Savannah, along with neighboring southeast Georgia and coastal South Carolina, has an active military presence supported by a long military history.
The city is the site of Hunter Army Airfield, a vital part of the Fort Stewart complex, which is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. Boasting the U.S. Army’s longest runway in the eastern United States, Hunter serves as a location from which troops and equipment based at Hunter and Fort Stewart can be deployed rapidly throughout the world. Fort Stewart, with headquarters located 40 miles southwest of Savannah in the Liberty County town of Hinesville, is home of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized). The two installations accounted for a payroll of more than $1.38 billion in 2009.
Savannah is also home to the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, as well as units of the Coast Guard and other components of the Air Guard.
In order to foster the relationships with our military leaders and provide the necessary support for our troops, the Chamber has an active Military Affairs Council. The Council serves at the call of the Chair, Dr. Bill Cathcart. The Council conducts quarterly meetings which include an annual Military Appreciation Luncheon to collectively honor our region’s heroes.
