SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 4th Fighter Wing held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new air traffic control tower and base operations complex, Aug. 15, 2019, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
The new complex will meet Department of Defense standards and control an estimated 110,000 fights annually.
The ceremony included remarks from Col. Donn Yates, 4th Fighter Wing commander and a ceremonial groundbreaking by wing leadership and community leaders.
“We are fired up, we are excited,” said Yates. “This is going to be a symbol for the future of the base, the future of the community and increasing airpower for America.”
Currently, air traffic control specialists work at a separate location from base operations. The new facility will provide a close-knit environment for 4th Operation Support Squadron leadership and ATC controllers.
Built in 1976, the current ATC tower stands approximately 124 feet tall. The new tower will stand taller to help increase overall airfield visibility.
The new complex is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2020.