Shaw Air Force Base  In-depth Overview

The 20th Fighter Wing's Mission is provide Combat Ready Airpower and Airmen to Meet Any Challenge, Anytime, Anywhere.

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 1st Lt. 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 the 15th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing and is the largest combat F-16 fighting wing. For more history visit Shaw AFB's homepage.

• 7,140 active duty
• 14,000 family members
• 730 civilians

Sumter Metro:107,456; Columbia: 99,353

The base community consists of more than 7,140 active duty military members, 14,000 family members and more than 730 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 $65. For most, this includes up to five people without additional charges.

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 6:00am to 11:00pm. 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.

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 11:00 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.