John Root

Shaw Air Force Base, located near Sumter, South Carolina, was established in 1941 as Shaw Army Air Field and named after World War I pilot 1st Lt. Ervin David Shaw. Throughout World War II, the base served as a training ground for pilots and aircrew. Over the decades, Shaw AFB became home to the 20th Fighter Wing, playing a significant role in both Cold War and post-9/11 operations, including deployments to the Middle East. Today, Shaw AFB remains a vital installation for the United States Air Force, specializing in combat-ready airpower and hosting the headquarters of the Ninth Air Force and United States Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT).