Shaw - USAF Aerial Reconnaissance Association

Shaw AFB

On 1 April 1951, the 363d TRW was transferred to Shaw from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia The 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing would remain at Shaw, under various designations, for the next 43 years. The wing's mission was to fly photographic, electronic and electronic intelligence missions to support both air and ground operations by American or Allied ground forces through its operational compoent, the 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group. In addition, the 363d provided combat crew training for reconnaissance aircrews.[9]

In addition to the 363rd TRW, Headquarters Ninth Air Force was transferred to Shaw from Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina on Sept. 1, 1954.[5]

During the tenure of the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Shaw AFB (1951–1993), the wing was the first USAF operational unit equipped with the following aircraft:[10]

Over the next four decades, the squadrons under the 363rd TRW changed frequently. Nearly all tactical reconnaissance aircraft aircrews in the United States Air Force were trained or stationed at Shaw Air Force Base.

Shaw AFB