LOCATION: Shaw Air Force Base is located about 40 miles east of Columbia, the state capital. The base is centrally located in the state of South Carolina with many points of interest within a reasonable driving distance. The Atlantic Ocean is 2 hours away with miles of beach available for vacation and recreational activities. To the east, Myrtle Beach and Charleston await you, with wonderful seasonal activities and great southern food. To the North you can enjoy cool mountain breezes or go white water rafting.
HISTORY: Shaw Air Force Base ranks as one of the oldest installations in the Air Force. Construction began at Shaw Field on June 27, 1941. Lt Col Burton M. Covey Jr. became the first base commander on August 30, 1941. Shaw Air Force Base is named in honor of 1Lt Ervin D. Shaw, a Sumter County native, killed in action during World War I while on a long-range reconnaissance flight behind enemy lines.
Today, Shaw Air Force Base is the home of 9th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing and is the largest combat F-16 fighting wing.
MISSION: The 20th Fighter Wing's Mission is to provide, project and sustain combat-ready air forces...Any challenge. Anytime. Anywhere.
POPULATION SERVED: The base community consists of more than 5,400 active duty military members, 11,000 family members and more than 600 civilian employees.
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