ShawAFB Sumter,sc

• Home of the 20th Fighter Wing: Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) is the headquarters of the 20th Fighter Wing, one of the oldest and most decorated fighter units in the U.S. Air Force, tracing its lineage back to World War I. • Named after a WWI Ace: The base is named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, a Sumter native and pilot who was killed in action over France in 1918. • Strategic Location: Shaw AFB is located just west of Sumter, South Carolina, and has served as a vital military installation since its activation in 1941. • Role in the Cold War: During the Cold War, Shaw AFB operated both fighter and reconnaissance units, and was home to the 9th Air Force, playing a significant role in air defense and tactical operations. • F-16 Viper Operations: The base is a major center for F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) operations, with squadrons specializing in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. • 9th Air Force Headquarters: Shaw AFB has served as the headquarters for the 9th Air Force, which oversees Air Combat Command units in the southeastern United States and supports U.S. Central Command operations. • Wild Weasel Heritage: The 20th Fighter Wing is renowned for its "Wild Weasel" mission—suppression of enemy air defenses—making Shaw a training hub for this critical role. • Operation Desert Storm: Units from Shaw AFB played a key role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat missions and supporting coalition efforts in the Persian Gulf War. • Innovative Training: Shaw AFB is a leader in advanced pilot training, including night flying, electronic warfare, and integration with unmanned aerial systems. • Community Connection: The base has a strong relationship with Sumter and the surrounding region, hosting air shows and community events, and is a major employer and economic driver in South Carolina.