PRESENT FOR DUTY: A HISTORY OF SHAW AFB By Senior Airman Jacob Gutierrez
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – The U.S. Air Force is celebrating a milestone 75th birthday later this year. The organized force has been a continuing presence in defending the freedoms and people of the United States since Sept.18, 1947. While this commemoration is underway, another significant anniversary occurred recently. Shaw Air Force Base has been providing teams of resilient and ready forces for 80 years. That entire span of time has been possible thanks to the commitment and service of its airmen, as well as a successful partnership between Shaw and the local Sumter community. “Shaw Air Force Base has always provided ready soldiers and airmen due to hard work and continuous in38 SHAW AIR FORCE BASE
vestment with our allies, partners and communities,” said Col. Lawrence T. Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “With the support of the American people and the Sumter community, we will continue to meet any challenge anytime, anywhere, by following the examples of those who came before us.” Before the creation of the modern Air Force, a rural
South Carolina airfield was activated by the U.S. Army Air Corps on Aug.30, 1941. Known then as Shaw Field, military personnel began executing readiness missions that would see Shaw become a major player in subsequent historical American engagements. From the very beginning, Shaw has concentrated on the
