University of South Carolina tours Shaw

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Grigg, 20th Maintenance Group lead crew member, welcomes University of South Carolina's Carolina Nexus members to the load barn at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 14, 2012. The Carolina Nexus program visited Shaw AFB during a five-day bus tour showing new faculty members of popular landmarks around South Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha McCarthy/released)

Chief Master Sgt. Fate Retirement

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Wilkerson shows Chief Master Sgt. Lefford Fate’s shadow box during Fate’s retirement ceremony, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 1, 2012. Fate retired at Shaw after serving 30 in years in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner/ Released)

Chief Master Sgt. Fate Retirement

U.S. Air Force Col. Freddie J. Sherman, Department of State for Afghanistan transition, logistics directorate, and Chief Master Sgt. Lefford Fate, 20th Fighter Wing command chief, read a certificate during Fate’s retirement ceremony, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 1, 2012. Fate was responsible for military standards, morale, welfare, training, professional development, and good order and discipline for more than 4,300 enlisted personnel assigned to Shaw. Fate retired after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner/ Released)

Chief Master Sgt. Fate Retirement

U.S. Air Force Col. Freddie J. Sherman, Department of State for Afghanistan transition logistics directorate, and Chief Master Sgt. Lefford Fate, 20th Fighter Wing command chief, show proper customs and courtesies by saluting during the national anthem, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 1, 2012. Fate retired at Shaw after serving 30 years in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner/ Released)

Thunderbirds Arrival at Shaw

U.S. Air Force Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard members fold a flag at the 2012 Shaw Air Expo retreat ceremony, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2012. The retreat ceremony was in celebration of the Military Appreciation Day during Shaw Air Expo. The Expo continues May 5 and 6.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

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The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds", perform the Diamond Opener during the Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr., Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights" aircraft sits on the runway at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 6, 2012. The Golden Knights consists of two teams, the black team and the gold team, which travel across the U.S. performing at air shows and other competitions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army Parachute Team "Gold Knights", performs a parachute jump demonstration at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 6, 2012. The Golden Knights consists of two teams, the black team and the gold team, which travel across the U.S. performing at air shows and other competitions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights" black team prepare for a jump demonstration at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 6, 2012. The Golden Knights consists of two teams, the black team and the gold team, which travel across the U.S. performing at air shows and other competitions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights" black team prepare for a jump demonstration at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 6, 2012. The Golden Knights consists of two teams, the black team and the gold team, which travel across the U.S. performing at air shows and other competitions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Flag drop at Shaw

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – U.S. Army Golden Knights skydived during their second performance of the day during the Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. on May 6, 2012. The Golden Knights performed five times from May 4 to 6 and jumped from altitudes of 2,000 to 15,000 feet. Thousands of visitors witnessed their skills during their performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers/Released))

Expo Playground

Children play on inflated toys available at Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 6, 2012. There were bouncing castles, an obstacle course and a slide for the children’s amusement during the air show. The Kid’s Zone had hundreds of visitors during the Expo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots salute crowd members to signify completion of their performance at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. The Thunderbirds perform more than 88 air demonstrations each year across the U.S.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" speed upwards into the sky during a performance at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. The Thunderbirds perform more than 88 air demonstrations each year across the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

Crowd members gather and gaze at the performance of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" during the Shaw Air Expo held at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

- U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" takeoff from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., during the 2012 Shaw Air Expo on May 5, 2012. The Thunderbirds performance, along with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, were the highlight the aerial acts that participated in the biennial event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pose for a photo with recent enlistees while at the Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. In addition to more than 80 air demonstrations each year, the Thunderbirds also conduct enlistments, re-enlistments and speak at local high schools when visiting an area near one of their performances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregory Mosley, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" commander, reads the oath of enlistment during the 2012 Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. After taking this oath, these soon to be Airmen will be departing for U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)

2012 Shaw Air Expo

Matthew Cutbush, son of Jennifer Holder, holds a M249 squad automatic weapon on display while attending the Shaw Air Expo held at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. The expo included live music from the Blue Aces, food vendors, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner/ Released)

2012 Shaw Air Expo

Robert Bass, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, participates in a plane simulator during the 2012 Shaw Air Expo, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. The expo, a biennial event, had events for kids, parents and plane lovers. The event was highlighted by performances from the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team and the U.S. Air Force Demonstration team (Thunderbirds). (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner/ Released)

Shaw Air Expo 2012

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform their famous tactical maneuvers during the Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2012. The Thunderbirds are one of the most famous performers and they travel all over the country showcasing their numerous aerobatics that leave crowds impressed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha McCarthy/released)

Shaw Air Expo 2012

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT commanding general, shakes Jim Filiatreault's hand and thanks him for coming out to the Shaw Air Expo 2012 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. Filiatreault showcases the Cobra F model helicopter during parades, large shows, and at high schools. The Cobra helicopter has a 20 mm canon that shoots out 13 rounds of 20 mm bullets per second.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha McCarthy/released)

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Oscar Gonzalez, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning apprentice, scans a woman entering the Shaw Air Expo with a hand-held metal detector at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. More than 20 security force augmenties from different squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing performed security checks at the entrance of the Shaw Air Expo during the first day of the air show. The Shaw Air Expo will be held both May 5 and 6 and is free to the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber E. N. Jacobs/Released) )

Shaw Air Expo

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Calebe Davilmar, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical apprentice, scans a man through a metal detector as he enters Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 5, 2012. More than 20 security forces' augmenties from different squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing performed security checks at the entrance of the Shaw Air Expo during the first day of the air show. The Shaw Air Expo will be held both May 5 and 6 and is free to the general public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber E. N. Jacobs/Released)