Best Moving Company in Beaufort, SC

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Col. Mark D. Bortnem was relieved of his command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command.

Bortnem had been the Commanding Officer of MCAS Beaufort for nearly two years since he took command from Col. Karl Arbogast on July 14, 2023.

1^st Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, Director of Communications and Strategy (COMMSTRAT) at MCAS Beaufort, initially confirmed Bortnem had been relieved of his command Tuesday morning, but couldn’t comment further.

Nat Fahy, Director of COMMSTRAT for Marine Corps Installations East (MCIE) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provided The Island News with a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, has relieved Col. Mark D. Bortnem of his duties as commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, effective immediately. This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem’s ability to command.

“Bortnem is being reassigned to duties as directed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

“In the interim, the air station’s Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks will serve as acting commander until one is formally appointed. There are no further details to provide at this time.”

While the statement attributes Bortnem’s removal to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command, this is used as a catchall phrase by the U.S. military. In the past 10 years, dozens of officers across all branches have been removed from their commands due to a “loss of trust and confidence.”

Issues with their leadership could range from the work or training environment they establish to misconduct. Without more details, it’s impossible to know exactly why Bortnem was removed.

Bortnem, who grew up in Michigan, has been a U.S. Marine since 1991. He graduated from Ohio State University (B.A. in Political Science) in 1998 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ending his time as an enlisted Marine and beginning his career as an officer.

Graduating flight school with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 2002. He then joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 332, with which he deployed to Iraq several times.

After graduating pilot conversion training at Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Aviator and served as a Flight Instructor.

Bortnem was assigned to MCAS Miramar where he completed F/A-18 pilot training and was assigned as the Executive Officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Operations Officer with Marine Aircraft Group 11. During this time, he deployed twice to Japan and achieved all advanced qualifications as an F/A-18 pilot.

From 2014-2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada where he served as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, with which he deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Upon his return to Canada, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, becoming the first U.S. officer to command a Canadian squadron.

In 2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he was assigned as the Marine Forces Pacific Air Officer and Director of Aviation Operations.

From 2018 to 2020, Colonel Bortnem was the Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 in Miramar, Calif. During this time, he deployed to Japan and the squadron was recognized as the recipient of the Robert M. Hanson award as Strike Fighter Squadron of the Year.

In 2020, Col. Bortnem was assigned as a student to Air War College in Montgomery, Ala. In 2022, h was assigned as Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Safety Division.

Col. Bortnem has nearly 3,000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College (2021, M.A. in Strategic Studies).

Bortnem’s photo and biography have been removed from the leadership page on the MCAS Beaufort website, https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/.

Lt. Col. Robert L. Steinhauser III remains the Executive Officer on board MCAS Beaufort.

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at [email protected].

I run into this problem all the time. I fly fish, my wife doesn't. That by itself is not a problem, but when it comes time to pick a destination for a vacation, it becomes a problem.

Where can we go where I can get some quality fly fishing and have her enjoy what she enjoys—shopping, cafes, museums, spas, and working out? It is a dilemma; most of the time, the two don't go hand in hand.

Beaufort, South Carolina — The Perfect Solution

If you aren't familiar with Beaufort, it is a coastal southern town just South of Charleston, SC. In Beaufort, time slows down, Spanish moss hangs from the oak trees, the city is rich in history, seafood doesn't get any better, and genuine Southern hospitality is everywhere. And the fishing?

Fly Fishing in Beaufort, SC

South Carolina has 344,500 acres of salt marshes, and 50% of those marshes are in Beaufort County. For the fly angler, that means a whole lotta shallow water to sight fish for tailing Reds, and when I visited there last month, there were a lot of redfish in those marshes. So the answer to the question "And the fishing?" It's excellent and abundant.

You Are Going To Need a Guide

The marshes are one big maze of creeks and rivers; it takes years for someone to learn their way around. A good guide is on the water every day and dialed in on where the happy fish are.

Indigo Fishing Charters

I booked a day with Capt. Jon Gore of Indigo Fishing Charters. There is so much fishable water in Beaufort that we didn't see another boat in any of the spots we fished. If you've never fly fished for red drum, it is more hunting than fishing. During the warmer months, you can get into the grass when the tide is high and look for fish feeding on crabs and shrimp.

What you are looking for is the fish's tail sticking out of the water and waving in the air while its snout is rooting in the mud. When you find fish doing this, and they don't spook easily, this is what guides call a "happy fish."

Winter Has Good Fishing

During the winter, low tide is a good time to fish the flats. You have to be on your game because your shots at a fish come fast, and they are usually moving. One minute is calm and serene, the next your captain is urgently giving instruction: "One o'clock! Forty feet, moving left to right, put it in front of him!" You better have your fly line right and ready to cast. That window can close fast.

Beaufort Has a Lot More To Offer Than Just Good Fishing

When I was out fly fishing, my wife spent the day in the historic downtown district of Beaufort, located alongside the Beaufort River and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. There was no shortage of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites for her to visit, so she didn't mind my being out on the water for the day.

When You Visit Beaufort

Capt. Jon Gore is an exceptional guide. He was prepared, had a clean, quality boat, brought fly fishing gear in case I didn't have any, and put me on fish. He knows his way around all the creeks and flats and is tuned in to what I call "the active areas." He primarily targets redfish and speckled sea trout, but if the timing is right, you can have opportunities to chase tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks, triple tail, and cobia.

If you are a beginner fly angler, Jon is long on patience and not one to yell or make you feel foolish because you didn't make the perfect cast. He will give you some instruction if needed and get you onto another fish. It's mostly laughs and good conversation in between caught fish.

My wife convinced me to visit downtown Beaufort before we left. I suspect she just wanted another day to check out the shops.

I was ok with that because I wanted to get some flies at the Bay Street Outfitters. Amongst their outdoor gear is a fully stocked fly shop. Plus, I wanted to visit a few of the antique stores - I'm always looking for old fly tackle. And then we'd have dinner at the Old Bull Tavern.

The truth is we had eaten at the Old Bull the night before, and the food and atmosphere were so good that we decided to eat there one more time before we left. Two nights in a row, and there wasn't a weak dish on our table.

If you really want to do Beaufort right, stay a few nights at the Anchorage 1770. This was the highlight of our trip. As the name states, the Inn was built in the 1700s. Its location is perfect for staying in Beaufort. It is across the street from the water and is within walking distance from the main street of the historic downtown area.

It has a rich history; much of the architecture of the building is from the original structure and reflects its fascinating past. Whatever restoration that's been done is historically sensitive and maintains the authenticity of the building. Its roots run deep, and you can feel its ghosts throughout the building.

I got a chance to tour the property. Every guest room has its own story and unique decor. Some of the building's owners from its historical past were a little on the eccentric side. The room we stayed in still had secret panels that one of the owners had built to hide alcohol from his wife. If the walls could talk.

The Ribaut Social Club

In 1891, the Anchorage was home to the Ribaut Social Club. It hosted parties, dances, and even gambling. January 2017 marked the return of the Ribaut Social Club within the Anchorage, "as a fine dining and social space for Beaufort locals and visitors to mingle over cocktails and impeccable regional cuisine."

My wife and I had dinner there on our first night, and it was like something out of a movie. Surrounded by all that history and delicious food made from local, fresh ingredients. This was authentic Lowcountry culture. I scored big points with my wife.

Fly Fishing, Culture, and Delicious Food

This is a trip that will satisfy both the angler and the non-angler. The fishing for redfish is some of the best in the Southeast. There is plenty to see and do in downtown Beaufort. A food scene that reflects Southern culture mixed with fresh seafood. Southern cocktails can be enjoyed on a porch overlooking the river. And the Anchorage 1770 Inn that will make your stay in Beaufort extra special.

There is no bad time of the year to visit since the weather never gets too cold, and the fishing is good all year around. Beaufort is a special place with a tangible feel to it. Bring a fly rod, bring a partner, and soak in the Southern hospitality of the Lowcountry. KB

"The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover

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The commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, a former combat pilot who took command of the base almost two years ago, has been relieved of duty following one of the air station’s biggest annual events for what a regional headquarters’ spokesman called a “loss of trust.”

Col. Mark Bortnem assumed command from Col. Karl Arbogast in June 2023.

Bortnem was relieved of his duties by Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, said Nat Fahy, a spokesperson for MCIEAST, a Marine Corps regional headquarters in North Carolina to which MCAS Beaufort belongs.

“This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem’s ability to command,” Fahy said.

Specific reasons for Bortnem’s removal were not given.

Bortnem is being reassigned to duties as directed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the Marine training base in Port Royal located 10 miles south of the Beaufort air station.

Lt. Col Michael Eubanks has been named acting station commander.

All of Bortnem’s information has been taken down from the MCAS Beaufort web site.

1st. Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, a MCAS Beaufort spokesperson, confirmed late Tuesday morning that Bortnem had been relieved of his duties Monday.

Bortnem’s removal came after one of the biggest events of the year at the Beaufort Base, the annual air show featuring the Blue Angels, which draws thousands of spectators.

Bortnem, who grew up in Milford, Michigan, graduated from Ohio State University and the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College. He’s been a Marine for over 30 years, first enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1991. He has served in a wide variety of global locations, including the pacific region, the Middle East, and the Arctic. Bortnem has nearly 3000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time.

“I’m determined to integrate myself into Team Beaufort and keep this place remaining as the best air station in the Marine Corps, working around the best folks, and with the best Marines,” said Bortnem when he took command.

The air station, known as “Fighter Town East,” is in transition from the F/18 Hornet to the supersonic F-35Bs whose technological advances include improved warfare technology and the capability for vertical landings and short takeoffs from amphibious assault ships.

A highly publicized “mishap” involving one of those stealth F-35B fighter jets occurred Sept. 17, 2023.

After departing from MCAS Beaufort, a pilot was forced to eject during an electrical storm while attempting to land in North Charleston but the jet kept flying for 11 minutes. The lost plane prompted a plea from the Marines to the public to help locate the aircraft, which eventually was found 64 miles away in Williamsburg County, SC. An investigation blamed the pilot for ejecting from a flyable aircraft — “albeit under extremely challenging cognitive and flight conditions.” No punitive actions were recommended. The aircraft was a total loss — $100 million — and the cleanup at the crash site cost $2 million, according to the investigative report.

Last May, MCAS Beaufort welcomed the first three F-5N Tiger IIs as part of a new squadron that is providing simulated air-to-air combat training for the Marine F-35 pilots to prepare them for “the next high fight” with real foreign enemies. It was the first adversary jet fighter squadron based on the East Coast, according to the Marines.

This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

The Island Packet

843-256-3420

Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - The highest court in South Carolina has now ruled in a years-long legal battle over development in Beaufort.

The state supreme court sided with the developer, who tells us they’re looking to add an expansion to the Beaufort Inn.

WTOC reported on this story in detail back in January, before the court’s ruling. You can find that context here.

On April 2nd, the court denied petitions for a writ of certiorari filed in two cases having to do with this potential project: Historic Beaufort Foundation v. City of Beaufort, et al. and West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC v. City of Beaufort, et al.

You’ll notice the Historic Beaufort Foundation is the plaintiff named in one of those cases. The organization’s leaders tell WTOC they believe the project doesn’t follow city code and isn’t the right project for the area.

HBF’s efforts to stop the hotel expansion have now been denied by the highest court in the State.

WTOC has heard from several of the parties involved.

City of Beaufort

“By denying the petitions, the Supreme Court leaves in place the decisions of both the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court. These rulings are consistent with and uphold the conclusions of the lower courts, and the City hopes that this will conclude the litigation.”

303 Associates - Dick Stewart

“We are pleased that the South Carolina Supreme Court has determined that there’s no merit to these appeals and that that confirms both our companies, and the city of Beaufort conducted themselves legally with appropriate procedures, as have been done here for decades and that these frivolous lawsuits and appeals that have wasted so many dollars for the South Carolina court system, the city, and our companies has been brought to a close. These sorts of frivolous abuses of the system when brought to their logical conclusion, confirm that the system here works and that justice and legal processes are confirmed by the courts, although in a lengthy and expensive process.”

Historic Beaufort Foundation - Cynthia Jenkins

“We’re all very disappointed. We don’t believe the parking garage, or the hotel should ever have been approved, and they do not meet the tenants of the zoning ordinance. It’s disappointing that the courts went the way they went.

The city’s zoning ordinance is not working and it’s time that it gets addressed. It’s not working inside the historic district or out for a lot of different reasons and I think it’s past time for city council to address it."

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic butter burgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant headed to the area soon.

The new location in Beaufort, at 2338 Boundary Street, is closer to introducing Lowcountry residents to its Wisconsin-inspired dishes.

According to Culver’s corporate offices, this new location in Beaufort is set to open in mid-May, with a target opening date of May 19.

This new Culver’s location is taking the spot of what was once Applebee’s, which briefly turned into the Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant.

The space has been vacant since 2017.

Now, this once-empty space will give new life to Beaufort residents to enjoy iconic burgers, onion rings, custard and more. Culver’s will be located next to the Waffle House and Publix shopping center off Boundary Street.

But luckily for the Lowcountry, a second Culver’s location was approved back in January for the town of Bluffton.

It is set to be built along Buckwalter Place Boulevard and Innovation Drive at the roundabout, across the street from Station 300.

An opening date for the Bluffton location is not yet available.

Culver’s is a hybrid drive-through and sit-down chain restaurant that initially began in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Culver’s restaurant chain states that it use fresh beef and white meat chicken from American family farms. With its Midwestern roots, the company use farm-fresh dairy for its custard and cheese from Wisconsin farms.

Some of the fan-favorite menu items include the grilled Reuben melt sandwich, chicken items, value baskets, custards and side items like Wisconsin cheese curds.

To view their full menu, click here.

Culver’s even offers flavors of the day for their custard items, which can be viewed online by entering your nearest Culver’s location.

With over 900 locations nationwide, Culver’s is known for its “fast-casual” dining. For more information about Culver’s, visit culvers.com

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.