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Shaw celebrates installation's 70th anniversary, Air Force's 64th birthday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 200 Team Shaw and Sumter area members gathered at the Carolina Skies club here in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Shaw Field and the 64th Birthday of the Air Force for a cake cutting ceremony Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.

Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander, hosted the ceremony for the base with Team Shaw and local community leaders by his side.

"Shaw has established a legacy," said Moore. "The installation has had more than 20 different kinds of aircraft over its 70 year history. But it never would have made it without the community of Sumter and their uncommon patriotism."

Sumter mayor Joseph McElveen, Jr., offered his congratulations to the base.

"As a Sumter native and Air Force veteran, this installation has always been important to me," said the mayor. "We have lots of vets and retirees in this area that have an understanding of what it is that you all do. We feel that we are supporting and continuing to serve our country with you here. Shaw is more than a tremendous economic benefit to our community."

Airman 1st Class Christopher Dybalski, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels operator, was selected to be part of the cake cutting ceremony as one of the newest Airmen in the Air Force.

"I was kind of nervous when I found out I was selected," he said. "But it was amazing to be part if this great ceremony."

Seventy years ago the Secretary of War approved a site in Sumter, South Carolina to be used as a new military airfield.

On Aug. 30, 1941 Shaw Field was activated and established as a basic flying school to train cadets and student officers in the basic flying training course.

Shaw Air Force Base was named after Sumter County native, 1st Lt. Ervin D. Shaw. Fitting with the 20th Fighter Wing's mission today, Shaw was an accomplished fighter pilot known for downing multiple German aircraft in World War I before his death on a mission in 1918.

Sumter Mayor Fulton B. Creech announced to local citizens the decision to base bombing planes in the town. Creech encouraged the citizens of Sumter to welcome the addition with "a truly Sumter spirit," a spirit that is alive and well today in the City of Sumter slogan "Uncommon Patriotism."

The first aircraft landed on the new runway Oct. 22, 1941.

Sixty-four years ago, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, establishing the United States Air Force as a separate military service.

Since 1947, the U.S. Air Force, through its Airmen and technology, has played a key role in the defense of our Nation during war, and in the maintenance of peace and humanitarian support around the world. Our proud history and dedication to service has established our Air Force as world leaders in air, space and cyberspace.