Granite Countertops in Sullivan's Island, SC

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. — Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic completed a week of communications testing on April 7 using manned and unmanned systems on Sullivan’s Island in collaboration with Indiana-based Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane.

Organizers said underpinning the entire test event was a Department of the Navy (DON) imperative to develop a future fleet that better connects critical command and control (C2) functions to various weapons, integrated sensors and small unmanned systems.

“Our collaboration with NSWC Crane illustrates the outstanding value that warfare centers bring to the greater naval enterprise,” said Peter C. Reddy, NIWC Atlantic executive director. “Alongside the amazing support of Sullivan’s Island and its small community, it was remarkable to see the teamwork, passion and dedication on display all week as each participant worked to advance vital capabilities for our warfighters.”

In addition to aligning with naval strategic doctrine like distributed maritime operations (DMO) and expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO), the communications experiment aligned with a vital Department of Defense initiative called Joint All-Domain C2, or JADC2.

Greg Hays, NIWC Atlantic’s senior scientific technology manager for rapid prototyping, experimentation and fleet exercises, said the operational technologies and architecture for the DON’s future fleet are best written in real-world environments that are experimental in nature.

“We know that developing the best capabilities for our warfighters to conduct DMO and EABO requires realistic experimentation,” Hays said. “Everything changes when you leave a lab environment; therefore, we are looking to operationalize experimentation.

“We don’t experiment for the sake of experimentation,” he added. “We do it to reach an outcome, where the results inform how the Navy designs future tools and communications that are developed for the warfighter.”

Most of the test equipment — which included a tethered, radio-equipped aerostat flying overhead and unmanned surface vessels in and around Charleston Harbor — launched from the western tip of Sullivan’s Island. Communications also established on beaches near Fort Moultrie and a pier off Fort Sumter National Monument tested the interoperability of various system configurations.

Cliff Hunt, NIWC Atlantic’s senior scientific technical manager for assured communications and a major facilitator of the exercise, said the community support in the weeks and months leading up to the event was invaluable.

“Sullivan’s Island has a long history of supporting the nation’s military, dating all the way back to Fort Moultrie in the Revolutionary War,” Hunt said. “We are very appreciative of the town and its community members for showing us so much support during this week’s technology experiment.”

NIWC Atlantic routinely conducts testing on Sullivan’s Island. Leaders said military radios did not interfere with other frequencies or electronic communications in the area.

Robert Gamberg, NSWC Crane’s fleet experimentation lead, said the environment was the perfect place for his team to carry out their mission.

“To evaluate communications intended for a tactical maritime environment, we needed a realistic setting,” said Gamberg, who grew up in South Carolina and traveled here to lead the exercise. “Thanks to NIWC Atlantic’s overwhelmingly strong support throughout the planning, coordination and execution of this event, our team could operate in an ideal location that enabled the successful completion of critical testing and experimentation.”

About NIWC Atlantic

As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint and national warfighter through the acquisition, development, integration, production, test, deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, cyber and information technology capabilities.

About NSWC Crane

NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory in Crane, Indiana, and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi-spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s warfighter.

Charleston, South Carolina, has been topping 'the best of lists for years. The historic city has always had a ton to offer, attracting tourists for its southern charm, world-class culinary offerings, antebellum architecture, and lively arts and entertainment scene. Further adding to Charleston's appeal are its beaches.

Sitting just a few miles from downtown Charleston is a series of easily accessible small barrier islands where visitors can enjoy an afternoon at the beach or vice versa. With such close proximity to the city, visitors can choose to base themselves on the beach instead. Each one of the Charleston beaches has its own distinctive vibe and attributes. Here is an overview to help find the perfect fit!

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

Isle Of Palms

This popular Charleston beach manages to maintain a balance between upscale and classy, as well as hip yet family-friendly. The island is self-catering with ample accommodation options, an extensive retail district, a diverse range of restaurants, and a full-service grocery store. The beach has lifeguards on duty, and there are dressing rooms, restrooms, and snack bar facilities centrally located at the oceanfront County Park.

There are roughly six miles of beach with over 50 access points, so hitting the sand on Isle of Palms is super convenient. The island's two golf courses, The Links Course and Harbor Course were both designed by a world-renowned golf architect. Visiting the Windjammer is a must. A long-time staple of the island (more than 50 years in business), the Windjammer is an oceanfront sandbar that hosts frequent concerts, beach volleyball tournaments, and more. Oh, and dogs are welcome at the Windjammer too!

Sullivan's Island

This quaint 3.3 square mile island can be summed up by three S's: serenity, slow pace, and simple pleasures. The town has actively worked to preserve its quiet character, and as such, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited. Nestled between Charleston Harbor and Isle of Palms, it remains close and convenient to explore for the day while staying elsewhere.

One of the oldest-standing forts on the East Coast is located on Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie was first constructed as a Revolutionary War defense in the 1700s but was once again put to use during the Civil War. Fort Moultrie is open to the public and remains a top tourist attraction. Fabled author Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his stint in the army, and Sullivan's Island served as the setting for some of his literary works. Nowadays, the quirky and eclectic Poe's Tavern pays homage to its namesake and is one of the most beloved local eateries.

Sullivan's Island is the perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and simply have a relaxing day at the beach. The wide, flat beach is great for strolling along the shore or riding bikes at low tide, and the prevailing winds are excellent for kiteboarding. Ocean enthusiasts can also fish, kayak, and paddleboard, and land-lovers can enjoy the island's several parks and recreation areas too. The restaurants along Middle Street offer wonderful food and alfresco dining in a fun atmosphere, often with live entertainment.

Folly Beach

Affectionately referred to as the 'edge of America', Folly Beach is a funky beach community that has retained much of its charm and unique character. A long-time haven for surfers, College of Charleston students, artists, and salty seafarers, Folly Beach has somewhat of a cult following amongst vacationers too. Folly-devotees return to their beloved beach year after year and rarely venture elsewhere. The island has a relaxed, working-class vibe, and long-time locals foster a palpable sense of community.

Swing by Bert's Market and fill up the cooler before hitting the beach. Bert's is a local institution that adheres to its 'we may doze but we never close' slogan; they are open around the clock and are much more than just a market. Folly Beach is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the southeast, and there are two full-service surf shops on Folly. Experienced surfers can head to The Washout section of the beach, or novices can take a surf lesson with one of the several surf schools on the island. Kayaks or stand-up paddleboards are an excellent way to explore Folly's extensive network of marshes and inlets.

The main shopping and dining hub of Folly Beach is Center Street, and it is well worth a stroll. The eclectic shops have lots of local and handcrafted items rather than just tacky souvenirs. Center Street and the surrounding blocks are also packed with dozens of eating and drinking locales for every taste and budget, as well as bars and nightlife. Come as you are - the ambiance everywhere is unpretentious, and flip-flops are always welcome.

One of the best ways to get around the 12-square-mile island is by golf cart. Just be aware that they cannot travel down Center Street (but they can traverse it to cross to/from the East and West sides of the island).

RELATED: 10 South Carolina Beaches You Should Visit This Summer

Bonus Beach: Kiawah Island

Although Kiawah is a huge vacation destination, it wasn't initially included as one of the main Charleston-area beaches simply because many areas of the island and its beaches are private. Kiawah is gated, and visitors can only access certain restricted areas with a guest or owner's pass; not everything is accessible to the public. Nonetheless, Kiawah is worth a mention as it is a popular vacation spot and has its own unique draw.

As one may expect, Kiawah is a luxury vacation destination. The resort accommodations, vacation home rentals, and amenities are world-class, as are Kiawah's dining options. The island's five golf courses are also top-notch, frequently hosting PGA Tour and other top-level events. Kiawah was also named the #1 tennis resort in the world!

Visitors can take advantage of public beach access at Beachwalker County Park, just before the guard station. Bring your own bike to enjoy the full 10 miles of pristine Kiawah Island beach without needing to show a pass.

Life Is Better At The Beach

While the Charleston area is surrounded by dozens of barrier islands, these beaches are the main hot spots to stay and play. The beaches make a great addition to any Charleston vacation itinerary, but they each have plenty to offer as a stand-alone destination too. Visitors can settle down, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of island time!

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Circuit Court has ruled to preserve the Sullivan’s Island Maritime Forest. This comes after the town’s previous council approved a settlement agreement that would allow development to take place where the forest currently sits.

The circuit court ruled in favor of the Town of Sullivan’s Island’s request to invalidate the settlement agreement that was agreed upon by the previous town council.

“I was thrilled,” Sullivan’s Island resident Cyndy Ewing said. “It’s a monumental ruling.”

Many Sullivan’s Island neighbors and elected officials are pleased with the ruling that will protect the island’s 200-acre maritime forest from development.

“The judge agreed that that agreement was not legal under state law,” Sullivan’s Island Mayor Patrick O’Neil said. “And one main issue there was that one sitting council for a municipality may not tie the hands of subsequent councils for a municipality.”

The ruling, which was handed down earlier this week, gives Sullivan’s Island Town Council complete authority over the forest.

“They can talk about how we can manage this land for the safety and enjoyment of all the residents,” Ewing said. “It’s thrilling.”

Ewing is thrilled because she says without the forest, the island would be nearly uninhabitable.

“It actually holds the land,” she said, “the plants out here, hold our land together. It also protects us from storm surge and hurricanes and flooding.”

In addition to keeping the island whole, and protecting residents from storms, O’Neil says the maritime forest is special for another reason.

“This is land which has been growing,” he said, “it’s been accreting. Whereas nearly every other barrier island along the East Coast is eroding. So, our island is getting bigger.”

Town residents say after years of dispute, they’re elated the court finally saw the forest for the trees.

“What we are looking forward to is being able to celebrate this incredible resource that we’ve been given instead of having to fight to protect it,” Ewing said.

Multiple venomous Portuguese man-of-wars recently washed up on the shores of Sullivan’s Island. Town officials, who warned beach-goers to be cautious, said the jellyfish-like animals were swept toward the Charleston area by recent wind circulation from warm water near the Gulf Stream.

“Although the colder water near the beach may kill the Man-of-War, it still has the capacity to sting and cause pain,” said Town Administrator Andy Benke.

The animal, which is closely related to the jellyfish, has long venomous tentacles that can inflict a painful sting. If stung, the suggested remedy is to rinse immediately with salt water to wash away any microscopic nematocysts. Studies show fresh water is less effective as a treatment.

In other headlines:

CofC to unveil portrait of McConnell on anniversary of secession. The College of Charleston will unveil a portrait of former President Glenn McConnell in a private ceremony to be held Dec. 20, the 162nd anniversary of South Carolina’s secession from the union. McConnell, a former state senator and lieutenant governor, has been a Civil War reenactor.

Pop-up skating rinks a popular trend in Charleston. Charlestonians are flocking to pop-up ice skating rinks across the city to enjoy the winter season. Places such as Credit One Stadium, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina and one coming to Folly Beach Dec. 23 use synthetic ice to replicate the ice skating in Charleston, where it rarely freezes in December..

Charleston Co. tables vote for I-526 expansion. Charleston County Council voted to wait until January to make any final decisions regarding the expansion of I-526. County officials identified $75 million available from the transportation sales tax that could be used to advance the interstate’s expansion.

Most S.C. workers could see less in taxes deducted in 2023. The state’s top income tax rate was reduced from 7% to 6.5% by legislators in 2022, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The amount of change will depend on a number of factors for each individual, but many state workers should expect to see taxes go down.

S.C.’s Dominion given OK to raise electric rates. Dominion Energy was given permission Dec. 15 to raise the electric rates of South Carolina residents to help offset a spike in natural gas and coal expenses this year.

To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — Circuit Court Judge Jennifer McCoy sided with Sullivan's Island to allow Town Council members to reintroduce protective guidelines for the forest.

For years, neighbors have been concerned about others cutting down trees to get better views of the ocean. In 2020, previous Town Council members entered into an agreement that would allow selective trimming of the forest.

Read More: Judge sides with Town of Sullivan's Island in Maritime Forest cutting dispute

"In 2020, there was a divided Town Council agreement to settle a long standing lawsuit that started in 2010," Cyndy Ewing with Sullivan's Island for All said. "And it was four to three."

"The lawsuit agreement took away the governing rights of Town Council members, so they were not allowed to talk about the land, trees, or any kind of management," she continued. "It was taking away a personal freedom and the government's ability to govern."

This new ruling from McCoy means the town is no longer obligated to follow that previous decision.

Circuit Court Judge Jennifer McCoy sided with Sullivan's Island to allow Town Council members to reintroduce protective guidelines for the forest. (WCIV)

"This is huge," Ewing said. "It's put the power of government back into the elected officials hands where it should be."

It's considered a win for preservation groups, who say the lush landscape serves as a home for plants and wildlife, while providing a barrier against storms.

Read More: Illegal cutting of Maritime Forest under investigation; council hires attorney

"Our #1 threat on Sullivan's Island was hurricane storm surge," Ewing said. "And the #1 protection is the trees and shrubs that will stop the storm surge. It's incredibly valuable. And we found out it's even better than building a dune because the trees and shrubs will grow back and we don't have to pay millions of dollars to rebuild a dune."

Sullivan's Island Mayor Pat O'Neil stated he is very pleased the judge agreed the settlement wasn't consistent with the laws of South Carolina.

"We had heard from many, many, many islanders who were very unhappy with that agreement," O'Neil said. "Given that we had a belief that it was not legal, we felt we had an obligation to take it to court. And it turns out, the judge agreed with that contention, so we're quite pleased with that."