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  • Restoring history: Airmen and veterans unite to revive T-33 Shooting Star

    Airmen from Shaw’s 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron joined forces with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3096 and the American Legion Post 29 in Bishopville, providing technical expertise, resources and manpower in the restoration U.S. Air Force T-33 Shooting Star. The restored T-33 was unveiled on

  • Adapt, overcome, conquer: Iron Hand 24-06

    At Shaw Air Force Base, the 20th Fighter Wing teaches, trains, and performs every day in missions and exercises such as Iron Hand, forging a culture of commitment, courage, and mastery.

  • 1st, 20th OSS showcase new capabilities of DICE-4 kit

    A team of four U.S. Air Force intelligence analysts from the 20th Operations Support Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, traveled to JBLE to showcase the capabilities of the fourth iteration Deployed Intelligence Combat Element kit.

  • 20th EMS leads first ever field flare build at Iron Hand 24-03

    Airmen of the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight, Shaw Air Force Base faced exercise Iron Hand 24-03 for their first time. The munitions flight performed a first-ever deployed M206 flare build throughout the exercise, enhancing training and mission readiness.

  • 20th EMS metals Airmen build mobile fabrication unit

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technology shop at Shaw Air Force Base are dedicated to providing the right parts and tools to ensure aircraft readiness at home station and abroad. Drawing from their combined experience in deployed maintenance

  • 79th ‘Tigers’ take on Checkered Flag 24-2, WSEP

    The 79th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadron ‘Tigers’ from the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, took part in Checkered Flag 24-2 and the Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) at Tyndall, from May 9-22, 2024. These exercises aimed to enhance air combat readiness.

  • NASCAR driver Joey Logano visits Shaw

    NASCAR driver Joey Logano visited Shaw Air Force Base to meet men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as fly in an F-16D Fighting Falcon, on May 7. The visit was important not only to those who were able to meet him, but for the U.S. Air Force aim to recruit and develop a diverse

  • 20th LRS keeps the (AFFORGEN) cycle moving

    The U.S. Air Force’s big push towards the Air Force Force Generation Model will ensure Airmen are prepared to fulfill operational requirements stateside and overseas at a moment’s notice. U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, keep Team Shaw

  • 25th ATKG opens new headquarters and operations facilities at Shaw

    The U.S. Air Force 25th Attack Group hosted military leaders, congressional representatives and honorary commanders from the local community at an immersion tour and ribbon cutting ceremony for their newly constructed headquarters and operations building at Shaw Air Force Base.

  • Royal Bahraini Air Force students modernize skills with Team Shaw

    The U.S. Air Force 372nd Training Squadron hosted Royal Bahraini Air Force students to expand their knowledge and technical experience on a newer generation of F-16 Fighting Falcons, modernizing their skill sets and learn U.S. Air Force methods of performance from experienced F-16 technicians Jan.

  • Defusing Danger: 20th CES hosts joint EOD exercise

    Exercise Salty Weasel 2024 showcased this camaraderie during a five-day exercise, which included two service branches from four military installations, at the McCrady Training Center on Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

  • All boxes checked; How SARM personnel uphold the air mission

    Squadron aviation resource management (SARM) personnel are one of the very few enlisted positions assigned to flying squadrons. Keeping everything managed, organized, and uniform ensures smooth flight operations with seamless reports. Anytime you see a jet flying, just know the SARM team made it

  • Emergency at 580 feet

    Staff Sgt. Samuel McLean, 20th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control watch supervisor, was handling a single U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon on approach to Shaw Air Force Base with radar approach control when a phone call leads him to assist a Cessna 550 Citation II civilian pilot who

  • Training the next generation of Air Traffic Controllers

    From organizing and expediting ground to air traffic, to issuing instructions and monitoring aircraft in air space over the ocean off the continental United States, the U.S. Air Force’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) Airmen are trained to the highest of standards

  • Shaw AFB leads the way with MCA course

    The MCA course provided 20th FW Airmen of various ranks from career fields such as maintenance, civil engineering and administrative services, a thorough training in support of the ACE model.

  • 20th EMS exercises contingency breakout procedures

    The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (EMS) precision guided munitions (PGM) Airmen exercised contingency breakout procedures on live munitions at Shaw Air Force Base, June 27, 2023. The contingency breakout exercise simulated a rapid response force generation scenario to strengthen the Agile

  • 20th FW performs mission-critical F-16 modernization

    The summer of 1978 meets the spring of 2023 as 45 years of progress and modernization to the F-16 Fighting Falcon airframe continues in the form of ongoing mission-critical upgrades to the 20th Fighter Wing’s (FW) fleet here in line with the U.S. Air Force’s Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

  • 20th SFS innovates with effects-based posting

    The 20th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) is currently trialing effects-based posting, an innovative new system of posting SFS defenders here to maximize efficiency while maintaining effective security protocols in an effort to creatively use time and manpower to benefit Shaw’s SFS defenders as well

  • Shaw performs as core wing during Red Flag-Nellis 23-2

    The 20th Fighter Wing (FW) recently deployed to participate in Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2, marking the wing's first deployment there since 2021. This iteration of RF-N 23-2 enabled the 20th FW’s more inexperienced combat aviators to have outstanding training opportunities, all while allied partners

  • Shaw welcomes new honorary commanders, refreshes program

    Team Shaw senior leadership welcomed local leaders as the base’s newest honorary commanders to join a valued, long-standing union between civilians and service members. The purpose of the honorary commander program is to increase public awareness and understanding of Shaw’s mission, policies and

  • 77th “Gamblers Double Down”- demonstrate Shaw’s AFFORGEN capabilities

    In line with the new Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN model, the 20th Fighter Wing has accelerated its force generation approach, sustained readiness and delivered three major aviation deployments in calendar year 2022. Including back-to-back deployments to Prince Sultan Air Base, the 77th

  • Shaw shapes future of air combat training through airspace initiative

    Early in the morning, in Hilliard, Florida, the controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center (Jacksonville Center) receive transmissions about flight operations 270 miles away on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base. Similarly, a flurry of

  • Double-time: Shaw delivers back to back deployments

    Across the world in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 79th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron “Tigers” are delivering on promises made when the squadron deployed in July 2022.

  • Team Shaw accelerates ACE abilities

    The future of agile combat employment and the development of the Multi-Capable Airman concept is a continuous focus for the 20th Fighter Wing. Through dedicated training opportunities, such as Exercise Iron Hand 22-09, Team Shaw Airmen will continue to ensure combat readiness and sharpen tactical

  • Team Shaw Tigers deploy downrange

    "Team Shaw Airmen have demonstrated through exercises and training that they are ready to arrive downrange, deliver combat airpower and execute air tasking orders in a mission of imperative national, regional and global importance," -- Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander.

  • CSAF visits Shaw Air Force Base

    U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Mrs. Sharene Brown, CSAF spouse, visited Shaw Air Force Base and associated tenant units, July 27.

  • Shooters roll’em home

    Airmen from the 55th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadron returned home after a six-month long deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia in late April 2022.

  • Team Shaw honors Hometown Heroes

    Hometown Heroes are individuals who take action to serve others in their local communities. Even though they don’t seek glory or rewards for the impact they make, this program ensured they received the recognition they deserved. The 20th Fighter Wing honored 20 individuals, nominated by their peers,

  • F-16 Demonstration Team Announces new Pilot for 2022 air show season

    Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, certified the new F-16 Demonstration Team Pilot on Mar. 5, 2022, ahead of the 2022 air show season. Capt. Aimee ‘Rebel’ Fiedler has more than 2,000 flying hours combined in her six years of military service and prior experience as a civilian flight

  • 20th FW begins Airman immersion initiative

    Airmen from across the 20th Fighter Wing took part in a tour of various Air Force careers at Shaw Air Force base on Jan. 28, as a part of an initiative to strengthen pride and ownership in the Weasel mission.

  • Air Combat Command Names Lead Wings 

    The commander of Air Combat Command has designated five units as Lead Wings as part of the combat air force’s transition to the service’s new force generation model. 

  • My flight on a KC-135

    On December 14 I had the privilege of flying in a KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild AFB, to learn about pilot training, aircraft, air-to-air refueling, and the airmen who fulfill those missions. We arrived at the Deployment Processing Center at Shaw AFB and were greeted by Mrs. Lisa Allen,

  • Shaw honorary commanders observe mission from above

    Most people observe F-16 Fighting Falcons take on thousands of pounds of fuel during air to air refueling via photographs. Recently, a group of Sumter community members received the opportunity to watch the action live and in living color. On Dec. 14, members of the Shaw Air Force Base honorary

  • 55th Fighter Generation Squadron return Viper into the fleet again

    November 9, 2021, was the three year anniversary since F-16 Viper 6084 hydroplaned during take-off, collapsed on the nose gear and skidded off the runway. While the pilot walked away unharmed, the same could not be said for the aircraft. With the depot being full, the 55th Fighter Generation

  • Athletic trainers keep pilots in seat

    The 20th Operations Group has implemented Air Combat Command’s new Optimizing the Human Weapons System program across Shaw’s three combat fighter squadrons, providing targeted care to 20th Fighter Wing aircrew.

  • 20th Fighter Wing immerses FAIPs in combat mission

    Air Combat Command First Assignment Instructor Pilots familiarization initiative exposes FAIPs to the Viper mission at Shaw Air Force Base. This immersion gives FAIP a look into the flying aspect of the mission and showed them what future operational pilots can expect if they are assigned the F-16.

  • Accelerating change: 505th CCW trains 20th FW staff on ACE C2

    The 505th Command and Control Wing completed its third iteration of Agile Combat Employment command and control training with the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, in preparation for the 20th FW’s execution of Exercise IRON HAND in late August.

  • The future of Egress, Air Force

    Setting up the world to be better than you found it can be as big as mentoring a young Airman below you, or as small as picking up trash on the ground. Airmen assigned to the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron egress shop have embodied innovation by creating a new shop entirely, for the future of

  • Fuel to Fight

    The sound of freedom requires interconnecting Airmen, equipment and logistics to continue flying day-in and day-out. Out of all the pieces to the puzzle that is the 20th Fighter Wing mission, one of the most vital things needed to fly and fight, is fuel.

  • Exercise Relampago VI soars over Colombia

    The skies roared with the sounds of U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons. Sounds that are not usually heard in a small mountain community in South America. Far from home and familiar territory, Airmen from all over the United States journeyed to Colombia and transformed a contingency location to

  • 20th MDG executes Ready Eagle

    The 20th Medical Group conducted exercise Ready Eagle, May 27, 2021. The exercise challenged Shaw medics to treat simulated explosion victims across multiple sites.

  • Legacy of service strengthened by community roots

    A community is only as strong as those who contribute to it. A village together can help one another raise the metaphorical child. Nowhere is this line of thinking more significant than in the communities that foster the nation’s men and women in arms and their families.

  • Gamblers redeploy home to Shaw

    Airmen assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron and the 77th Fighter Generation Squadron, also known as the “Gamblers”, as well as other Team Shaw units, redeployed from U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility late April.

  • AFCENT hosts ‘Coalition Week’, welcomes partners to Shaw AFB

    Senior military representatives from nine countries traveled to Shaw Air Force Base this week to participate in “Coalition Week,” a series of events focused on showcasing 9th Air Force’s (U.S. Air Forces Central) ability to distribute operations and command and control airpower from more than one

  • South Carolina State House supports military children

    April has been proclaimed Month of the Military Child at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, April 7. Month of the Military Child is nationally recognized to show appreciation to the children of service members who did not choose to serve but still make sacrifices.

  • ACC to Align Fighter Squadron Ops and Maintenance

    Air Combat Command is changing the aircraft maintenance organizational structure to improve synchronization between maintenance and fighter squadrons. Pairing fighter squadrons with a dedicated fighter generation squadron will foster unity of effort between maintenance and operations as well as

  • Red Flag 21-2 underway at Nellis

    The 57th Wing’s 414th Combat Training Squadron (CTS) conducts Red Flag exercises to provide mission commanders, maintenance personnel, ground controllers, and air, space and cyber operators the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios in preparation for future warfare.

  • 20th FW hosts Red Flag 21-2

    Multiple times a year, the world’s top air forces come together to prove their combat capabilities over almost 3 million acres of desert at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The 20th Fighter Wing is scheduled to host Red Flag 21-2 from March 8-19 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

  • Metals techs build from ground up

    The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technology flight keeps 20th Fighter Wing F-16 Vipers flying at home station and downrange by embracing innovation in their operations.

  • Shaw Wildland Management sustains wildlife

    Shaw Wildland Management Office and 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen performed a controlled burn of approximately 285 acres at Poinsett Electric Combat Range in Wedgefield, South Carolina, Feb. 24.

  • Iron Cowboy shares story of resiliency

    James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence shared his story of grit, resilience and how he found the will to keep going in the face of challenges to Team Shaw Airmen, Jan. 27.

  • 20th CMS optimizes operations

    Airmen from the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion flight have redesigned their space to implement lean production principles in their operations.

  • MacDill strengthens capabilities through integrated training with Shaw

    Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing conducted an off-site integrated training with the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, 2020. Over the course of five days, Aircrews with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, maintainers with the 6th Maintenance Group and

  • ALS builds leaders for life

    On Nov. 19, the first U.S. Army and civilian students graduated from the Senior Master Sgt. David B. Reid Airmen Leadership School.

  • MacDill to integrate training with Shaw AFB

    Aircrews with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, maintainers with the 6th Maintenance Group and Airmen with the 6th Operations Support Squadron along with four KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, are scheduled to travel to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, at the end of November to conduct an integrated

  • CMSAF Bass visits Team Shaw

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass spoke with Team Shaw members from multiple units including the 20th Fighter Wing, the 25th Attack Group, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) and the Fifteenth Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 16-17.

  • 20th Fighter Wing flies in ABMS field test

    Pilots from the 20th Fighter Wing recently participated in Advanced Battle Management System Onramp #2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3, 2020.

  • Are you fit to fight?

    The Air Force is rolling out a Tier 2 Physical Fitness test for explosive ordnance disposal flights, building a more lethal, ready force, as Airmen train for a job specific test.

  • From raceway to runway

    Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing and ACC F-16 Viper Demo Team hosted Conor Daly, Air Force Honda race car driver, and Townsend Bell, sports commentator and professional race car driver, April 15-16. During the USAF Recruiting coordinated visit, Daly and Bell had the opportunity to interact

  • How to go from "newbie" to "ride captain"

    A giant helmet on, swaying with the wind while a thick riding jacket gets in the way of controlling the bike. With some riding courses, you’re zipping around the roads with cool ease and comfort, the wind whipping past your face.This Airman could be you after taking any of the three motorcycle

  • Cleaning up Shaw’s water

    The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron has teamed up with many partners to initiate the use of an Enhanced Environmental Cleanup Technology, BOS 100® Treatment Barrier to solve a contaminant issue dating back to an incident on base in the 1960s.

  • A child’s home away from home – Part 1

    Dropping off a child at daycare can be bittersweet, but knowing the child is safe and well taken care of while at work can be comforting.The 20th Force Support Squadron Child Development Center mission is to assist Department of Defense military and civilian personnel with balancing the competing

  • Airmen behind the lens

    Many people see photos and videos of maintainers working, jets flying and Airmen throughout the Air Force serving their country, but who are the Airmen behind the lens?

  • “Tigers” roar through Red Flag 19-1

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, are participating in Exercise Red Flag 19-1 from Jan. 26 – Feb. 15.The goal of Red Flag is to prepare Air Force, Joint, and Coalition pilots, aircrews and operators to fight

  • Finding a purpose

    Everyone goes through hard times throughout their life. Whether it be the death of a loved one, financial issues or an internal struggle, there are ways to get through troubling times.

  • NDI stays mission ready

    Team Shaw members are always ready to employ and sustain combat ready suppression of enemy air defense, F-16 Fighting Falcons and develop combat ready Airmen to win our nation’s wars.

  • Base tour unites Team Shaw and community

    Team Shaw Airmen opened its gates to Sumter, S.C. middle school students with the goal of opening their eyes to the daily work lives of Airmen serving in a variety of career fields across the Air Force, Jan. 11.

  • Load crew completes monthly qualification

    U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, participated in a monthly munition qualification, Jan. 10.The qualification provides load crews with a means to train on numerous munitions and remain proficient in their craft. These loads are used as a

  • ‘Don’t worry, be happy’

    There are a variety of occasions in life which can bring to mind the sense we may be a part of something larger and really lead us to take a long hard look at our values, giving us the chance to step back and look at our lives from a different perspective.

  • PMEL putting in work

    Many career fields within maintenance focus on a specific piece of equipment or machinery, but for the 20th Component Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory this is not the case.

  • AMMO keeps heartbeat

    While many Team Shaw members are sound asleep, some Airmen must continue to keep the heart of the base beating with 24-hour operations. The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron is one of many squadrons that work throughout the night.

  • Innovative solar panel project first in South Carolina

    The 20th Fighter Wing celebrated the completion of Shaw Military Housing’s solar power installation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Oct. 22.The project included the installation of 5,865 solar panels in 284 homes, accumulating an approximate 40 percent offset of total annual electrical

  • Alzheimer’s walk

    Team Shaw had its first Alzheimer’s walk to raise money, bring awareness and find a cure for the disease. Each participant found sponsors to donate a certain amount of money per lap they completed around Memorial Lake. Typically, diseases are unforeseen and affect not only the host but their loved

  • Recognizing 71 years of mission success

    In 1947, the Cold War was in full swing, leading to the U.S.’s need for a more efficient and manageable foreign policy-making establishment.As a solution, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 on Sept. 18, 1947. This act, among other authorizations, separated the U.S. Army

  • What it means to serve

    Across the Department of Defense, military members dedicate themselves to protecting the United States and the American way of life through voluntary service.Just as individual Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors joined the military for different reasons and support their branches in diverse ways,

  • One team, one fight: feature II

    With all the training and preparation F-16CM Fighting Falcons and their pilots have to go through, someone has to track the status and data required for a pilot to safely “step” out of the door and onto the flight line.Aviation resource management Airmen take care of pilots assigned to all three

  • Nursing in uniform made easy

    As the military continues to adapt to women in service, it is also making changes for mothers.Air Force mothers who choose to breastfeed their bundles of joy can wear Air Force Instruction approved undershirts in their Airman Battle Uniform or Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform.

  • EOD: always fit to fight

    Surrounded by the sound of clinking metal and upbeat music, a group of Airmen work to exhaustion as the sun begins to rise.For this group of 20th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, working hard can mean the difference between life or death.The safety of the team as well as

  • Lt. Shaw: 100 years later

    Long before the plot of land that is now Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, became a pre-World War II auxillary air field, its namesake departed for a mission into the hostile German sky, never to return to his family.

  • 20th FW, 72nd ARS team up to stay sharp

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon cannot fly around the world on one tank of fuel. When the mission demands keeping the jets in the air, pilots can refuel with one of the Air Force’s gas stations in the sky. Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base, Indiana.

  • Two Shaw Airmen earn DFC saving 88 lives

    U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Lasica, former 20th Fighter Wing commander, presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captains John Nygard and Salvador Cruz, 79th Fighter Squadron instructor pilots, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, June 7.

  • Air Force Vietnam veteran awarded after 45 years

    The sunshine reflecting off the black marble of The Wall That Heals in Camden, South Carolina, served as a backdrop for the Air Force ending a 45 year wait for retired Capt. Johnny Blye. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross May 5, for his participation in Operation Linebacker II during the

  • Little guy, big fixed heart: part II

    When Ashley and Tech. Sgt. Ben Mockovciak, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 202 F-16 tactical aircraft maintenance instructor, learned their son Noah, barely one month old, had experienced a heart attack, their world was turned upside down.

  • Little guy, big fixed heart: part I

    When Ashley and Tech. Sgt. Ben Mockovciak learned they would soon be parents, they were overwhelmed with the exciting idea of welcoming a healthy, beautiful child into their family.