Shaw AFB

Location
Shaw Air Force Base is a United States Military facility located about 8.4 miles west-northwest of Sumter, South Carolina and is under the jurisdiction of the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.

View Shaw AFB in a larger map
Mission

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win…in air, space and cyberspace.

History

Shaw Air Force Base is named in honor of WWI pilot 1st Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw. Lieutenant Shaw was one of the first Americans to fly combat missions in WWI.  Shaw died after three enemy aircraft attacked his Bristol while he was returning from a reconnaissance mission on July 9, 1918. For a brief time, Shaw Field also served as a prisoner-of-war camp. The first group of German POWs arrived on March 1, 1945. Eventually, 175 of them lived in an encampment just off the main base, on Peach Orchard Road (also known as South Carolina Hwy 441) across from Shaw’s (side) hospital (currently closed) gate and worked on local farms in the area. They departed in the early months of 1946 for the rebuilding of European cities and towns that were devastated during the war. Those prisoners were eventually repatriated to Germany around 1947, with some returning to the Shaw and Sumter area and obtaining their U.S. citizenship.

Shaw Army Airfield was designated a permanent Army Air Forces instantiation after the war, being transferred to Continental Air Forces on 16 April 1945.

Population Served

Shaw AFB is home to more than 5, 400 military members, including over 11,000 family members and over 600 civilian employees. Shaw AFB is one of South Carolina’s largest single site of employees.

Base Transportation

There is currently no on-post transportation.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship Training is held each month and is a mandatory requirement. Being a good sponsor starts with the 3 C’s – Communication, Concern, and Creativity.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation Assistance Program – Moving is a way of life in the Air Force. Whether it’s your first, fifth, or last move, it’s always a major undertaking and it is important that you seek the services of the A&FRC’s Relocation Assistance Program (RAP). The Relocation Assistance Program staff helps Air Force single and married members as well as DoD civilians and families through all aspects of a move. Housing Office (803)895-2421 DSN: 965-2421.

Critical Installation Information

*On-base dormitories are available for single E-1 through E-4, unaccompanied enlisted airmen. Using the programmed development concept, the dorms are conveniently located near the dining facility, post office and recreational facilities such as the fitness center. Each dorm building is equipped with a washer and dryer.

*Child Care is provided on base through the Child Development Center and through the Family Child Care programs.

*If you live on Shaw Air Force Base your children will attend Sumter School District Two schools

*Shaw AFB does offer on and off base housing.

*Shaw AFB has no emergency services. For on-base emergencies call 911 for an ambulance.

Contact Information for AFB