Shaw Air Force Base announces changes to gate hours of operation, off-base uniform wear policy and base access procedures
In the evening of Saturday, Feb. 28, the official Facebook page of Shaw Air Force Base, home of the 20th Fighter Wing, announced several notices for changes to gate hours of operation, off-base uniform wear policy and base access procedures.
Off-base uniform wear policy update
Military personnel, no longer authorized to wear their military uniform off-base, are now required to wear civilian attire off-base, change into uniform on-base before reporting for duty then change back into civilian attire before leaving the base. This applies across the board for any and all off-base trips – even short ones for meals, errands or any other routine travel.
Gate hours
Effective immediately, the hours of operation for the Highway 441 gate, Sumter gate and Commercial Vehicle Inspection Area are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The main gate will continue to operate 24/7, Shaw AFB’s post relayed.
Base access policy update
Because the Trusted Traveler Program has been suspended until further notice, all base visitors without a Department of War ID card must report to the Visitor Control Center outside of the Main Gate with a REAL ID-compliant credential and be sponsored by a Department of War ID cardholder to gain entry.
The purpose of the Trusted Traveler Program was “to mitigate traffic congestion at installation entry points by expediting access for service members and dependent spouses... [Department of War] employees, and retired Service members and spouses” by allowing “trusted personnel (escorts) to vouch for the identity of co-travelers within the same vehicle, granting them access to the installation under the supervision of their escort throughout the duration of their visit.”
The Visitor Control Center’s extended hours are:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Outside of these times, visitor passes may be obtained from Security Forces at the Main gate, Shaw AFB relayed.
Contact the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at 803-895-5050 opt. 5
Stay updated on 20th Fighter Wing notices, community collaborations, innovations, upcoming events and more at https://www.facebook.com/20FighterWing