Shaw Air Force Base

Shaw Air Force Base is located in Sumter, South Carolina. Established as Shaw Field on August 30, 1941, the installation was named for First Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, a Sumter native and World War I combat pilot. The base is operated by the United States Air Force under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command. The 20th Fighter Wing serves as the host unit.

During World War II, the installation operated as a flying school for the U.S. Army Air Corps Southeast Air Corps Training Center, training more than 8,600 pilots in basic and advanced flying curriculums. It also functioned as a prisoner-of-war camp for German personnel between March 1945 and early 1946. Post-war, the base was assigned to Tactical Air Command and hosted the 20th Fighter Group. From 1951 to 1993, the 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was the primary unit, supporting photographic and electronic intelligence missions. During this period, the base hosted reconnaissance platforms including the RB-57 Canberra, RB-66 Destroyer, RF-101 Voodoo, and RF-4C Phantom II. In 1982, the mission shifted to fighter operations with the introduction of F-16 aircraft. The 20th Fighter Wing was reassigned to Shaw from RAF Upper Heyford in 1994, assuming the personnel and equipment of the inactivated 363d Fighter Wing.

Current operations are led by the 20th Fighter Wing, which operates multiple squadrons of F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. Its primary missions include suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), strategic attack, and air interdiction. Major tenant units include Headquarters Ninth Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central) and Headquarters U.S. Army Central. The 25th Attack Group is also stationed at the base, operating MQ-9A Reapers. Additional based units include the 495th Fighter Group and the 28th Operational Weather Squadron.

Notable facilities include Patton Hall, a 320,000-square-foot command and control center serving U.S. Army Central. Operational infrastructure includes the 12,000-acre Poinsett Electronic Combat Range and a Mission Training Complex. Medical support is provided by the 20th Medical Group, which maintains an outpatient clinic and 24-hour emergency medical services.