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Public Affairs exists to serve Shaw Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Have you called for an official photo and get confused by the line, "Public Affairs, how many I help you?" You thought you called the photo lab and believe you have a wrong number. But, nope you are in the right spot.

The multimedia career fields merged with the public affairs career field in 2007, but some people still believe anything photography-wise falls under the communications squadron.

What does this mean for you as the customer?

It's not that big of a change at all. Instead, you will be visiting an office with full-time journalists, photographers and broadcasters in one convenient location.

The mission of public affairs is to:

· Expand awareness and support of 20th Fighter Wing mission

· Provide trusted counsel to leaders

· Enhance Airmen morale and readiness

· Enhance public trust and support

· Support global deterrence

· Bottom Line: We exist to serve you.

There are many different ways we serve the Airmen of Shaw. From photos and video to print journalism, the job of public affairs is to tell the Shaw story.

We have three different career fields to do just that: broadcasting, journalism and photography.

The public affairs specialists or also known as journalists write stories, conduct interviews, escort media, and also are trained in community relations. The photographers are primarily responsible for taking the imagery around the base, documenting historical events, taking official photos and alert or crime scene photography. The broadcasters create news and feature video stories, they also document historical events, and cover anything significant around base. 

The public affairs office has not been immune to the Air Force downsizing. Due to this, we have lost some of our previous capabilities.

One of the capabilities lost in the merger was the graphic's career field. This means the public affairs office is no longer able to provide designs for pamphlets, squadron logos, and coins.

Also, the biggest print size available is a 8-by-10 inches. We no longer have the means to print posters or fliers. 

You might also notice your portrait is taken in a 'photography studio' instead of a  'photo lab.'  Photo labs went away with the darkroom and 35mm cameras.  All portraits are taken with professional digital equipment.

Like many other customer service places on base, there are specific hours for different services.

For official photographs, appointments are available 8 a.m-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Full-length photos are only taken on Mondays, and head and shoulder portraits are available Tuesday through Thursday.

"One hundred percent of people need their photo yesterday," said Tech. Sgt. Louis Rivers, 20th Fighter Wing public affairs NCOIC of photography. "We cannot accommodate all 'emergencies.' The best thing to do to make sure we can get you in is to not wait until the last moment to schedule an appointment. Our schedule fills up fast. The sooner you call ahead, the more likely we can accommodate your needs."

The office will always try to get you on the schedule, but we have to worry about the whole base, said Rivers. When it is quarterly awards season, remember all of those winners need their pictures taken as well as you.

While the public affairs office stresses the importance of planning, they do understand last minute things come up.

"We try to come up with an effective solution to each and every request we get," he added. "But, just like everyone else, we are guided by Air Force Instructions. You might not get the answer you want, but we will work to find a solution for you."

The public affairs office also takes care of isolated personnel report (ISOPREP) and official government passport photos. ISOPREP photos can walk-in during normal duty hours, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Passport photos are walk-in every Thursday 1-3 p.m.

For photo, print or video requests such as change of commands, special events or retirements, please submit an Air Force Form 833 to 20FWpublicaffairs@shaw.af.mil.

To schedule an official appointment, to put in a work order or tell a news story contact 803-895-1620 or 803-895-2019. For more information, visit shaw.af.mil or friend us on Facebook at Facebook.com/20FighterWing.