State business leaders join Seymour in saluting N.C.

  • Published
  • By Robin DeMark
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C --  Planning a major event in North Carolina requires countless people and several months of preparation; however the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base air show director, always takes time to educate state leaders about the largest fighter wing in Air Combat Command.

When the opportunity to host members from the North Carolina Defense Business Association arose this month, Major James Ladd, director of the Wings Over Wayne air show, knew this was a chance to show business leaders what Goldsboro and Wayne County already know; Seymour Johnson AFB is home to the world's largest inventory of F-15E Strike Eagles.

"We didn't realize this base had the largest concentration of F-15E fighters in the world," said Ryan Beck, University of North Carolina Public Education System advisor of military affairs. "We are very excited to gather more support for the Airmen here and we want them to know the state is behind Seymour Johnson 100 percent."

Members of the NCDBA represent a group of businesses whose interests lie in military contracting, government affairs and supporting the state's military installations. During the base tour, they learned the combat capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle and how the 4th FW provides support for global combat and humanitarian operations.

"The business leaders who participated in the tour found it very informative and appreciated the experience of getting to know more about the base and the Airmen that serve our country," said Joy Thrash, executive director of the NCDBA. "We thank you for a great day in Eagle territory."

According to Major Ladd, the common sentiment from the tour was that Seymour Johnson is the best kept secret in North Carolina. Business leaders were astonished to learn the depth of the wing's constant deployments and types of support the 4th FW provides overseas contingency operations.

"This trip helped me realize the capabilities of the F-15E. It is truly an amazing aircraft, and it seems like Seymour has the best of the best running it," said Randy McClean, partnership for defense innovation.

Throughout the day, civic leaders participated in hands-on activities at the 334th Fighter Squadron and visited the weapons load training facility. A wing mission brief from Major Ladd outlined the wing's historical and evolving role in contingency operations. State leaders also learned the Wayne County populace has embraced military members and their families since the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing moved to Goldsboro in 1957. Community support remains strong as the wing continues to provide airpower on-target, on-time for America across the globe.

"I had a great time learning more about Seymour Johnson, trying on some of the flight equipment and seeing the Strike Eagles first-hand," said Kevin Klug, director of Special Operations Discipline Concurrent Technologies Corporation. "Additionally, you have a great program planned for the air show; I can't wait to see it all."

To learn more about how civic organizations can tour the base or request a guest speaker, contact the 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 919-722-0027. For more information about Seymour Johnson AFB and the 2011 Wings Over Wayne Airshow April 16-17, visit www.seymourjohnson.af.mil or www.wingsoverwayne.com.