Shaw celebrates 70th anniversary Published Aug. 30, 2011 By 1st Lt. Ann Blodzinski 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- 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, and Shaw has been making aviation history ever since. To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Shaw Field and the 64th Birthday of the Air Force, Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander, will host a cake cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. at the Carolina Skies Club Sep. 23, here.