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Air Force fire power brings together community

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron soars across the sky at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range, Wedgefield, S.C., Oct. 15, 2015. Shaw F-16s demonstrated the firing abilities of the 20mm Gatling cannons into a controlled training environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado/Released)

Air Force fire power brings together community

Spectators watch as an F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron performs a fly-over at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Wedgefield, S.C., Oct. 15, 2015. The Shaw-Sumter Community Council welcomed the local community onto the training range for aerial demonstrations from F-16s and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 335th FS, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado/Released)

Air Force fire power brings together community

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron flies over spectators at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range, Wedgefield, S.C., Oct. 15, 2015. The Fighting Falcons flew a total of eight passes, firing more than 2,000 bullets from its 20mm Gatling into the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado/Released)

Air Force fire power brings together community

Published Oct. 27, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th FW Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Members of the Shaw-Sumter Community Council hosted an aerial showcase at Poinsett Electronic Range, Wedgefield, South Carolina, Oct. 15, to further build upon the bond between Team Shaw and the community.

"The goal was to get military members out here to meet different people in the community," said Capt. Alison Romanko, 79th Fighter Squadron F-16CM Fighting Falcon pilot. "The community has been very supportive of all our training, so I would like to foster those relationships so we can continue to have that support."

Shaw invited the community to the range for a closer view of the Air Force's aerial mission. During the event Fighting Falcons assigned to the 77th FS here and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 335th FS at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, showcased the air power of their respective aircrafts.

"If you look around at all these folks in uniform and get to know them, you will see how their commitment to training keeps them ready to deploy at a moment's notice," said Col. Stephen Jost, 20th Fighter Wing commander, addressing guests during the event. "Get to know them because they are your combat ready Airmen."

After meeting with the Airmen and seeing the aircraft in action, the local community left with a better understanding of the Poinsett Electronic Range, and of the Airmen who serve them.