SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - - Picture an F-16 Flying Falcon fighter jet…without any working brakes. The jet booms down the runway, and its rear tailhook reaches to catch a steel cable with a sudden snap. Within moments, thousands of pounds of force grinds to a halt thanks to a life-saving system beneath the runway.
All U.S. Air Force bases and military airfields operating tactical fighter aircraft utilize aircraft arresting systems, also known as cable barriers, to prevent aircraft from overrunning runways.
The full responsibility for maintaining and replacing the arresting systems at Shaw belong to the electrical power production specialists assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron (20th CES). Leading the team is Staff Sgt....
07.21.2026 | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by Airman Will Sherwood
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band play a concert for servicemembers, Department of War civilians, military retirees and their families at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolian, June 14, 2026. The Lt. Dan Band played their concert at Shaw as part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s mission to honor and support servicemembers and veterans around the world through entertainment, support and education. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman Will Sherwood)
