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20th Fighter Wing Community Engagement



Active community engagement programs enable commanders to enhance morale, public trust, and support.  Air Force professionals involved in the communities where they live become front-line ambassadors for the Air Force. Through active programs, the Air Force demonstrates it is a community partner and a responsible steward of resources. For all community engagement questions or requests please contact 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs at (803) 895-2023, or by email at 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.

 

Community Stories

Flyovers and Static Requests

Photo of a flyover over Sumter S.C. Aerial support requests can include airshows, event flyovers and static displays. Static displays allow the public to experience an up-close and personal view of our equipment and weapons systems and increase their knowledge and understanding of the Air Force mission.

Policy:

  • A flyover, whether on-base or off-base, is a straight and level flight, limited to one pass, by no more than four military aircraft of the same general type (e.g., tactical, transport, rotary wing) from the same military service over a predetermined point on the ground at a specific time and not involving aerobatics or demonstrations.
  • A flyover of more than four aircraft, or of multiple types of aircraft, or of aircraft representing more than one military service or nation, regardless of horizontal/timing separation of flying elements, constitutes and aerial review. Flyovers at memorial or funeral services in honor of rated and/or designated active duty aviation personnel are not community engagement activities.

Requesting Aerial Support:

  • Submit all aerial support requests (airshows, event flyovers, static displays, etc.) through the following link: http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil. All requests for support must be submitted via this website.
  • When approved, you will receive a Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs approval number. Forward that number and all pertinent information to 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.
  • The 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office will send the request through to the appropriate channels and the requester will be contacted if Shaw assets are able or unable to support.  Sending/receiving a request does not confirm support.
  • If the request can be supported by Shaw, the supporting unit will make all arrangements.
  • If Public Affairs hasn't confirmed receiving your request within a week of submission, please follow up by phone, (803) 895-2023, or by email, 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.
  • SHAW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL A SCHEDULED AERIAL SUPPORT REQUEST AT ANY TIME DUE TO MISSION REQUIREMENTS.

Noise Concerns

Shaw Air Force Base is committed to being a good neighbor in the South Carolina midlands.  Although we implemented noise abatement procedures, we understand our aircraft and operations can cause a disturbance.

To report an issue please fill out and return the Noise Concern Form to 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil.  If you do not receive a response within 48 business hours please call Community Engagement at (803) 895-2023.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

  • Increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces and the mission, policies, and programs of the Air Force
  • Support Air Force Recruiting by inspiring patriotism and encouraging young men and women to serve in the military
  • Maintain a reputation as a good neighbor, as well as a respected professional organization charged with part of the responsibility for national security

Tours

Base tours tell a portion of the Air Force story to visitors and highlight the Air Force mission, traditions and heritage. They are tailored to coincide with the interests of different age groups.  Requests are granted on a first come, first served basis.

Policy:

  • Tours will not be coordinated until all information has been approved by Public Affairs.  NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Tours are conducted on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month (except December) and will begin no earlier than 9 a.m. and end no later than 3 p.m.
  • Tour groups must be no more than 20 people. 
  • Only one tour per organization/school, per year.
  • Meal options:
    • Only ROTC, JROTC or military-affiliated groups can use the dining facility.  This is a cash only facility.
    • Meals can be purchased at one of the on-base vendors (Burger King, Subway or Taco Bell).
    • The Tee Top Café and Bowling Alley are open for lunch.
    • Groups can bring bag lunches and choose to eat outside at memorial lake, weather permitting.

Requesting a Base Tour:

  • Public Affairs must receive an email with all information (ex. What organization, what day you would like, how many are in group etc.) to 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days prior to the requested tour date.
  • Tours will not be approved/coordinated until all information is received.
  • If Public Affairs hasn't confirmed receiving your request within a week of submission, please follow up by phone, (803) 895-2023 or by email, 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil. Sending/receiving a request form does not confirm your tour date.
  • ROTC and JROTC in uniform are expected to conform to the Air Force dress and appearance standards including haircuts and hair styles.
  • A list of all individuals (to include bus drivers and chaperones) attending the tour must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the tour or the tour will be cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
  • If a group is more than 15 minutes late for the tour, it will be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • SHAW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL CONFIRMED TOURS AT ANY TIME DUE TO MISSION REQUIREMENTS.


    Upcoming 2022 Available Tour Dates 
  • Jan. 18
  • Feb. 8
  • Feb. 15
  • Mar. 8
  • Mar. 15
  • May 10
  • May 17
  • June 14
  • June 21

Speaker Requests

The Air Force sends a speaker to an event to create dialogue with local organizations and give them an insight into Air Force roles, mission, overall capabilities and the Airmen who make up the Air Force.

Policy:

  • Any organization, group or individual can request an Air Force speaker. This includes community groups, business organizations, industry associations, as well as schools of all levels.
  • We are restricted from participating in fundraising events and political activities.
  • Once we provide a speaker, all outstanding arrangements must be made between the organization and the guest speaker.
  • If the speaker must cancel, the organization is responsible for contacting Shaw Public Affairs to re-submit a request.

Requesting a speaker for an event:

  • Public Affairs must receive a completed speaker request form at least two to four weeks prior to the event.
  • Speaker requests will not be approved/coordinated until a completed speaker request form is received.
  • If Public Affairs hasn't confirmed receiving your request within a week of submission, please follow up by phone, (803) 895-2023, or by email, 20fwpublicaffairs@us.af.mil. Sending/receiving a request does not confirm a speaker for your event.
  • SHAW RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL A SCHEDULED SPEAKER AT ANY TIME DUE TO MISSION REQUIREMENTS.