20th Fighter Wing provides support to mission partners

The 20th Fighter Wing provides communication and infrastructure support to mission partners to enable a full spectrum of operations across the world.
U.S. Central Command components, U.S. Army Central Command and 9th Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central), as well as the 20th FW’s parent Numbered Air Force, Fifteenth Air Force call Shaw home.

Fifteenth Air Force provides operational leadership for conventional combat airpower, as well as being the Air Force’s only joint task force-capable headquarters.

“Fifteenth Air Force has been operating at Shaw since its inception in August, 2020,” said Capt. Noah Schill, Fifteenth Air Force information operations officer. “The 20th Fighter Wing’s support has been essential to standing up our organization.”

The 20th Communication Squadron built and maintained the network infrastructure for Fifteenth AF to communicate and coordinate with 13 combat wings.

While Fifteenth AF provides airpower across the world, airpower in the CENTCOM area of responsibility is coordinated by another Shaw AFB mission partner, 9th AF.

“Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) provides unparalleled support to the U.S. Central Command mission,” said Senior Master Sgt. LaJoyce Collins, 9th AF (AFCENT) equal opportunity manager. “Our team plans for and postures personnel downrange to deter and defeat all aggressors within our area of responsibility. Shaw has been an amazing host. Our combat-focused organizations continue to execute the mission, with incredible Airmen serving in the ranks.”

Ninth AF (AFCENT) in conjunction with its coalition partners, provides the command and control of airpower throughout the 20-nation CENTCOM area of responsibility in Southwest Asia. For their mission to be successful, an effective partnership with ARCENT is essential.

“ARCENT is the land component command for all the forces in the CENTCOM area of operations,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jennifer Gomes, ARCENT clinical operations chief. “We provide support for all the joint force and ensure we’re prepared for any current or future missions. The nice thing about Shaw is that we have two of the CENTCOM components here, ARCENT and AFCENT. We coordinate closely together and communicate regularly to make sure we have smooth oversight of anything going on in the area that impacts both the Air Force and Army.”

Deployed Airmen and Soldiers rely on AFCENT and ARCENT’s support to successfully accomplish their mission. The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron builds and maintains the secure facilities the headquarters need.

Airmen from the 20th FW support conventional airpower across the globe and enable Airmen and Soldiers in combat zones to receive the support they need. The 20th FW is committed to maintaining outstanding support to our mission partners.