Shaw AFB
Shaw AFB PCS Guide
Base History & Name
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Shaw Air Force Base began as a World War II training site in 1941. The U.S. Army Air Forces established it to train pilots and aircrews for combat missions. The base was originally named Shaw Field to honor 1st Lt. Ervin David Shaw, a South Carolina native and World War I aviator.
During WWII, Shaw Field trained thousands of airmen, playing a key role in preparing crews for overseas deployment. The base expanded rapidly, adding runways, hangars, and support buildings to meet wartime demands.
After the war, Shaw shifted to a peacetime mission, supporting tactical air operations and hosting various fighter and reconnaissance units. The installation was officially renamed Shaw Air Force Base in 1948, reflecting the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate branch.
Throughout the Cold War, Shaw AFB became a hub for tactical fighter operations. It hosted the 9th Air Force and the 20th Fighter Wing, both central to U.S. airpower projection. The base supported deployments for the Korean War, Vietnam War, and numerous contingencies in the Middle East.
Today, Shaw AFB remains a vital installation for the Air Force. It is home to the 20th Fighter Wing, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, and the headquarters of the 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central). The base supports rapid deployment and air superiority missions, contributing to national defense and the local South Carolina economy.
Namesake
Major Units & Training Programs
VIRIN: 250128-F-FT378-1274 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina, prepare to take off before a mission during Red Flag-Nellis 25-1, Jan. 28, 2025, at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Red Flag-Nellis is an opportunity to...
Major Units
20th Fighter Wing
The 20th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Shaw AFB, responsible for organizing, training, and equipping combat-ready F-16CJ Fighting Falcon aircraft and personnel for worldwide deployment. The wing specializes in suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and precision strike missions.
9th Air Force (Air Forces Central)
9th Air Force (AFCENT) provides operational command and control of air and space power for U.S. Central Command, overseeing Air Force operations in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. It directs air campaigns and coordinates joint and coalition air operations in the region.
15th Air Force
15th Air Force commands and oversees the readiness of 13 Air Combat Command wings, including Shaw’s 20th Fighter Wing, to ensure rapid deployment and operational effectiveness of combat air forces worldwide.
Training Schools
F-16CJ Mission Qualification Training (MQT)
Overview
This course provides newly assigned pilots with the skills necessary to operate the F-16CJ in combat roles, emphasizing tactical employment, weapons delivery, and SEAD missions.
Course Length
Several weeks to a few months, depending on syllabus
Who Attends
Newly assigned F-16CJ pilots
Arrival & In-Processing
Air Combat Command’s Cyberspace and Information Dominance directorate conducted a successful pilot test of spectrum monitoring kits in 2021 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. These kits give installations the capability to analyze and protect the electromagnetic environment inside their...
Welcome to Shaw AFB! Arriving at a new duty station can be exciting and overwhelming, but being prepared helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Review the following steps carefully to streamline your arrival and check-in. For more details, visit the official Shaw AFB website.
Shaw AFB's primary access point is the Main Gate, located on Shaw Drive. The Main Gate operates 24/7, providing round-the-clock entry for authorized personnel. You must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD Dependent ID at all times. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act—non-compliant IDs require a second form of approved identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections to maintain base security. To sponsor visitors or family members, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) outside the Main Gate to obtain a temporary pass. All guests must be vetted and present valid photo ID.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Dependent/Family Member IDs
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
Shaw AFB offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Contact your gaining unit or the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) to request a sponsor prior to your move. Sponsors provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with local resources.
Report to the Welcome Center, Building 1118, for in-processing. The center is near the Main Gate for easy access. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-processing includes stops at Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your gaining unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and appointment schedules.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate on Shaw Drive. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and sponsoring guests for base access. All visitors must be accompanied by a DoD ID cardholder or have prior approval.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Jerry Leama, Barry Van Lines mover, carries a box of household goods onto a moving truck on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 16, 2021. Dover AFB and the Air Force Aid Society provide 20 hours of free permanent change of station care for each child upon arrival to and departure from their duty stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicole Leidholm)
Arriving at Shaw AFB starts with receiving your PCS orders. Once you have orders in hand, contact the base Transportation Office to start your move. You must set up your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), which tracks and manages all official moves. Most families choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the military contracts movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), where you move yourself and may be reimbursed. Shaw AFB supports both move types, but HHG is the most common.
You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement for up to 10 days in temporary lodging while house hunting or waiting for housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps cover extra costs during your move. Be sure to save all receipts and check current rates on official sites. DPS is your main tool for tracking shipments, managing claims, and communicating with your moving company.
Shaw AFB’s location in Sumter, SC, means summer is busy for moves. Book your moving dates early and coordinate with your sponsor for a smooth arrival. Local resources and the base welcome center can help you settle in quickly.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Book your HHG or PPM move early, especially for summer.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Take photos of valuables before pack-out for claims.
- Check TLE hotel options near Shaw AFB and book early.
- Notify the base housing office if you need on-base housing.
- Label boxes clearly with your name and new address.
Important Forms & Links
Start, track, and manage your PCS move online.
Check TLE, DLA, and other allowance rates.
Guidance and checklists for every stage of your move.
Base-specific arrival info and local resources.
Schools & Childcare
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Shaw AFB does not have any on-base schools. Military families rely on local public schools in Sumter School District for K-12 education. The district offers various programs to support academic growth and student development. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is a key resource for navigating enrollment, school transitions, and special education needs. Families can contact the SLO at Shaw AFB for personalized support and up-to-date school information.
Childcare Options
Shaw AFB Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC provides full-day and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is NAEYC-accredited and emphasizes a safe, nurturing environment.
Shaw AFB Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers in-home childcare by certified providers on base. Families can choose flexible schedules, including evening and weekend care. Providers meet Air Force and national standards for safety.
Shaw AFB Youth Center
The Youth Center features before/after school programs, summer camps, and clubs for school-age children and teens. Programs focus on leadership, STEM, and recreation in a supervised setting.
Local Schools
Sumter School District
Sumter School District serves the Shaw AFB area with a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. The district offers strong STEM and arts programs, with several schools earning 'Good' or 'Average' ratings on GreatSchools.org. Families appreciate the district's focus on student achievement and community engagement.
Alice Drive Elementary School
Alice Drive Elementary is known for a supportive learning environment and strong academic performance. The school has received positive reviews for its dedicated teachers and active parent involvement. State report cards reflect solid performance in core subjects.
Sumter High School
Sumter High School offers a wide range of AP and honors courses, along with extracurriculars in athletics and the arts. The school is recognized for its diverse student body and college preparatory focus. GreatSchools.org notes strong graduation rates and college readiness.