The wing's mission is to provide, project, and sustain combat-ready aircraft in conventional and anti-radiation suppression of enemy air defenses, strategic attack, counter-air, air interdiction, joint maritime operations and combat search-and-rescue missions.

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. 

Established in 1941 on the outskirts of Sumter to train pilots for World War II, Shaw Air Force Base later evolved into a home for U.S. Air Force tactical units. The facility was named after Sumter native Ervin Shaw, a pilot shot down over France in July 1918. Shaw Airfield originally consisted of less than three thousand acres and three 4,500-foot runways. Work began on the army flying school in May 1941 at an estimated cost of $2.5 million. Its first class of pilot cadets began training in December 1941 with BT-13s for basic flight training, the second of three training phases in earning a pilot’s commission. During the latter stages of World War II, Shaw was also the site of a German prisoner-of-war camp of about four hundred prisoners. Before the Axis surrendered in 1945, more than 8,600 American, British, Canadian, and French cadets received training at Shaw. After the war the airfield became a separation center for thousands of soldiers being discharged from the military. At about the same time it was also designated as the headquarters for training Nationalist Chinese crews to fly B-25 aircraft.

By 1948 the U.S. Air Force considered deactivating the facility but chose instead to rename it Shaw Air Force Base. It became part of its Tactical Air Command and home to the Ninth Air Force two years later. Its planes played an active role in the cold war, including reconnaissance patrols over Cuba during the 1962 Missile Crisis. Its units were involved in combat and reconnaissance tours in the Vietnam conflict and played pivotal roles in the Gulf War (1990–1991) and the Balkans crises. In 1993 Shaw became the permanent home of the Twentieth Fighter Wing, comprised of four fighter squadrons. Following the September 2001 attacks on New York and the Pentagon, Shaw AFB had personnel and planes assigned to action against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. As of 2002 Shaw AFB had 5,800 active-duty personnel, employed 1,000 civilians, and housed 6,500 dependents. The base and its payrolls injected more than $500 million into the local economy.

50th Anniversary: Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. 1941–1991. [Sumter, S.C.]: 363d Tactical Fighter Wing, Office of History, 1991.

University of South Carolina Legacy Project. The Cold War in South Carolina, 1945–1991: An Inventory of Department of Defense Cold War Era Cultural and Historical Resources in the State of South Carolina; Final Report. Vol. 3, The Department of the Air Force in South Carolina. Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.: Legacy Resource Management Program, United States Department of Defense, 1995.

Population Served

The base community consists of more than 5,400 active duty military members, 11,000 family members and more than 1100 civilian employees.

Housing at Shaw is privatized.  Shaw has a total of 630 new units.

Government/Privatized  housing phone numbers and websites:

Government Housing: Phone DSN 965-2421/803-895-2421)

Privatized Housing: Phone 803-499-3074 for information on wait list times and housing availability.

Information regarding the local community can be accessed on the Air Force Housing website.

Are you looking for a roommate situation? If you need assistance in finding a roommate, don't hesitate to contact the HMO--We'll be glad to help you. Please remember we are glad to offer you counseling and guidance BEFORE you enter into an agreement, written lease, or rental/sales contract for off-base housing. Assistance offered by the local housing office can often save you time, money and inconveniences should you be unaware of the regulations governing off-base housing. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at:(phone DSN 965-2421/803-895-2421)

Shaw Air Force Base is located about 40 miles east of Columbia, South Carolina, 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.

Sumter, named for the Revolutionary War hero General Thomas Sumter who made his home here, has a spiritual communion with its past without it being consumed. His tomb, a national historic site, is just one of the many treasures for local and visiting history buffs. Many retired military veterans who were stationed here at Shaw during their career are so taken with the area that they settle here permanently making Sumter's populace a seasoned and worldly group. Sumter today is one of the most economically balanced areas in the U.S. with a diversified income ranging from frozen foods to furniture, tools, paints, chemicals, medical supplies, heavy equipment, and high-tech electronics. Housing is inexpensive by national standards; and property taxes are correspondingly low. The population rates are:  City of Sumter, 42,000; Sumter County, 107,242 ; primary trade area (30-mile radius), 277,830.  The base operator's phone number is 803-895-1110, or DSN 312-965-1110.

Directions to Shaw AFB SC from Airport

Depart Columbia metropolitan airport via Airport Blvd, Exit to I26 East to Charleston, Exit to I77 North to Charlotte, Exit to US378/76 (Garners Ferry Road) to Sumter, Follow signs to Shaw AFB. Entire trip -- approximately 40 miles/1 hour.

Taxi service is available from the Columbia Airport to Shaw AFB for approximately $85. For most, this includes up to five people without additional charges.

Driving Directions

Shaw AFB is located north of US 378, approximately 10 miles west of Sumter, South Carolina. US 378 traverses the state, east to west, from Conway on the Atlantic coast to McCormick on the Georgia border. It is accessible from interstates 20, 126, 77 and 95, as well as from most other major US and state highways.

If you arrive at Shaw during normal duty hours, Monday through Friday, 8:a.m. to 4:30 p.m., you should report directly to your gaining unit's commander's support staff.

If you arrive during non-duty hours, Base Lodging Office located 464 Myers, 803-895-3803 is available 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On the next duty day, you should report to your gaining unit. If you do not know where your unit is located, report to the Military Personnel Flight, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at 504 Shaw Drive.

Driving Directions

Shaw AFB is located north of US 378, approximately 10 miles west of Sumter, South Carolina. US 378 traverses the state, east to west, from Conway on the Atlantic coast to McCormick on the Georgia border. It is accessible from interstates 20, 126, 77 and 95, as well as from most other major US and state highways.

Instructions for Bus Station

Greyhound Bus Station closes at 11 pm. If you arrive at the station at that time, you will be responsible for your own transportation. If you have arranged for transportation, make sure you are picked up on time. The bus station is not equipped with proper outside lighting and has no security for you or your luggage. However, there is a local gas station down from the station. There you can make payphone calls or ask for information and directions.

The 20th Transportation Squadron provides taxi service on base for official business only.

Santee Wateree RTA offer public transportation, RTA 70 stops in numerous location on Shaw AFB such as 

Shaw AFB BX

Shaw AFB Carolina Skies Club

Shaw AFB Commissary