SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – An Airman assigned to the 495th Fighter Group
was found deceased in his off-base residence Jan. 15, 2018 near Columbia,
South Carolina.
“We are brokenhearted to have lost a valued member of our team, said Col.
Michael Dean, 459th FG commander. The 495th FG considers itself a family and
this loss is felt by each of us deeply. Our condolences are with all those
who grieve with us during this time of tragedy.”
The 495th FG is supported administratively by the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw
Air Force Base, S.C.
The FG was reactivated March 8, 2013, at Shaw AFB as an active association between active-duty pilots and their guard and reserve counterparts and marked a historical moment in the Air Force’s ongoing initiative to integrate active-duty Airmen, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air National Guard (ANG) units to streamline training, spending and resource use.
This incident remains under investigation by the Richland County Coroner’s
Office.