SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and other state officials visited Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to discuss mission capabilities, July 19.
Cooper spoke with base leadership and Airmen to gain a better understanding of the 4th Fighter Wing’s mission and ability to deliver dominant Strike Eagle airpower … anytime, anywhere.
Base leadership and the state officials received a mission brief and toured the new Razor Talon War Room, which provides an overview of the entire monthly aerial training exercise in real-time.
Razor Talon is a monthly, large-force, training exercise headquartered out of Seymour Johnson AFB and involves the Air Force and joint services across the nation.
The officials then travelled to the flightline, for an opportunity to see an F-15E Strike Eagle up close. Maj. Benjamin Chapman, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance officer, and Master Sgt. Brian Hilliard, 4th AMXS production superintendent, stressed the critical role the aircraft provides to Combatant Commanders during wartime operations, such as Operation Inherent Resolve, to the official party.
The F-15E, which flew its first combat mission in 1990 during Operation Desert Shield, has been an integral part in executing missions all across the world. As of June 21, 2017, the Strike Eagle is credited with 18,117 airstrikes during OIR and killing multiple high-value targets including Abu Nabil al-Anbari, then leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. More recently, the dual-role fighter successfully shot down two armed drones on two separate occasions in Syria.
Shortly after the Strike Eagle tour, the group transitioned to the Fire Department for a luncheon.
Sean Quinby, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, met with Cooper and discussed their mission and recent achievements.
“During Hurricane Matthew, some of our Airmen went out to help local rescue teams,” Quinby said. “Their selflessness, bravery and heroism saved lives.”
After lunch with Airmen from the 4th CES, the visitors went to the Airman and Family Readiness Center and received a briefing on the current education standing with military members, their spouses and children, as well as the base separation procedures.
“It’s great to see a good number of Airmen are deciding to stay in North Carolina after they separate or retire,” said Cooper. “We’re trying to ensure that when Airmen leave, they have a place they can live with a job lined up, ready to utilize their experience and bearing.”
Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, commented on the relationship enjoyed by North Carolina and Seymour Johnson AFB.
“We’re not just making the base a better place to be, we help each other out by making Goldsboro and ultimately North Carolina a terrific place to live for everyone,” said Sage.