SHAW AFB
AIR FORCE
Sumter, SC
United States
SHAW AFB
AIR FORCE
Sumter, SC
United States
Shaw AFB
Base Essentials
Home of Air Forces Central Command and F-16 training in Sumter, SC — a fighter-focused posting in a small South Carolina city with a strong military community and low cost of living.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
ACC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
3,300
Active Duty
6,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
110,000
Economic Impact
$800 million
Shaw AFB History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw
Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, was established in 1941 and is home to the 20th Fighter Wing, the largest F-16 combat wing in the Air Force. Shaw also hosts Third Army/Army Central headquarters. The base's fighter mission and combat-coded F-16 squadrons make it a significant contributor to Air Combat Command's operational readiness. Shaw's future will be shaped by the F-16's eventual replacement in the fighter fleet.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
20th Fighter Wing (F-16)
—
—
Third Army / Army Central (HQ)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Established as Shaw Field
1957
Tactical Air Command Fighter Hub
2013
F-16 Wing Transitions; 9th AF Mission Expands
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1941
Established as Shaw Field
Shaw Field was established in 1941 near Sumter, South Carolina, named for Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, a South Carolinian who became the first American to shoot down an enemy aircraft over the Western Front during WWI. The installation trained fighter pilots during WWII.
1957
Tactical Air Command Fighter Hub
Shaw AFB became a major Tactical Air Command installation in the 1950s, hosting F-100 Super Sabres and later F-4 Phantoms and F-16s. It has served as the headquarters of Ninth Air Force, which commands all Air Force combat forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
2013
F-16 Wing Transitions; 9th AF Mission Expands
Shaw's 20th Fighter Wing operates one of the largest F-16 fleets in the Air Force, serving as the primary combat air forces hub for CENTCOM. The 9th Air Force headquarters at Shaw has directed air operations in every major Middle East conflict since 1990.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Shaw AFB.
Shaw AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Shaw AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Shaw AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Shaw AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
20th Force Support Squadron — Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Phone
(803) 895-4140Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Personnel arriving at Shaw AFB report to their unit's Commander Support Staff during duty hours. The CSS schedules all mandatory appointments including the consolidated Welcome Center in-processing and the mandatory Right Start Newcomer's Orientation. After-hours arrivals contact the Gator Inn lodging facility, the 24/7 arrival point.
The mandatory Right Start Newcomer's Orientation covers the 20th Fighter Wing mission, base services, and Sumter/Central South Carolina community resources. The A&FRC at (803) 895-4140 coordinates relocation assistance, school liaison, and comprehensive Sumter area orientation.
Shaw AFB is home to the 20th Fighter Wing (F-16C/D Fighting Falcon) and hosts the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) headquarters. Located near Sumter, South Carolina, the area offers a very affordable cost of living and is within two hours of both Charlotte and Columbia.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Shaw AFB.
On-post family housing at Shaw AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post residential community offers 2–4 bedroom homes; many families also choose off-post housing in Sumter and surrounding communities given the city's range of options. Shaw AFB is located near Sumter, South Carolina — a mid-sized city of approximately 40,000 with a well-established…
Local Market
$1,100/mo
rent
/
$200,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Shaw AFB
78
22% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Shaw AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Shaw AFB sits outside Sumter, SC — a small city with affordable housing and tight military community ties. Most families live in Sumter proper or in the Shaw Heights area just off base; a smaller contingent commutes from Columbia (~45 min) for a bigger-city lifestyle.
Sumter / Shaw Heights
Suburban
The most popular option for Shaw families — affordable single-family homes within 5–15 minutes of the gate. Lakewood, Millwood, and Alice Drive corridors offer older but well-priced housing with easy commissary access.
Commute: 5–15 min
Schools: Sumter School District
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Single service members
Short commute, tight military community, very affordable COL
Northeast Sumter / Pocalla Springs
Suburban
Newer subdivisions on the northeast side of Sumter offer updated homes at moderate prices. Slightly longer commute but access to newer schools and the Sumter Mall corridor shopping.
Commute: 15–20 min
Schools: Sumter School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Newer construction, quieter neighborhoods, good schools
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Shaw AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
South Carolina fully exempts active duty military pay from South Carolina income tax for South Carolina legal residents.…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside South Carolina for South Carolina income tax pur…
Vehicle Registration
South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) on vehicle purchases, capped at $500. Military members…
Property Tax
South Carolina property taxes are set at the county level. Legal resident homeowners receive a favorable 4% assessment r…
Pet Policies at Shaw AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Shaw AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Shaw AFB.
Commissary
1
Shaw AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
20th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shaw AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Shaw Drive Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Shaw AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Shaw AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.