Air Force applicants get inside scoop on a fighter base

By Robin DeMark, 4 Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published August 01, 2006

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Local area youth volunteer take their place at the forefront of war-fighting, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid by crossing into the blue with the most technologically sophisticated military branch in the world.

More than 40 Air Force applicants from Goldsboro and Greenville toured Seymour Johnson July 19 as part of the Delayed Entry Program orientation to military careers.
“The DEP is designed to orient and prepare young men and women for basic military training and introduce them to the Air Force lifestyle,” said Master Sgt. James Worstell, enlisted assess ions recruiter. “Touring Seymour Johnson gives applicants a unique opportunity to see first-hand what a military base looks and feels like.”

To experience the Air Force way of life and see how the military takes care of their Airmen, everyone started the afternoon by eating lunch at the Southern Eagle dining facility. The dining facility provided a wide variety of meal selections from healthy salad bars and grilled chicken to the lunch special of the day, Cajun cuisine.

After lunch, it was off to the weapons load hanger to view one of the 96 F-15E Strike Eagles located at the base. Airmen briefed the group on the capabilities and munitions of the multi-role fighter used to support military operations in the Global War on Terrorism. This provided an opportunity to get up-close to the bombs and missiles Airmen are required to know about to become certified weapons loaders.

To fully understand aircraft maintenance, a tour of the jet engine shop provided an inside look at the turbofan engines that produce more than 24,000 pounds of thrust each. Two of these engines power the F-15E so pilots can accelerate from idle power to maximum afterburner in less than four seconds. This also enables the supersonic jet to exceed speeds of Mach 2 and carry three times its weight in munitions.

Next, it was time to visit Airman Leadership School. Master Sgt. Kathleen Parrish, ALS flight chief, welcomed the group and explained why it is important to groom new Airmen to become leaders. “We’re here to ensure you become effective non-commissioned officers by teaching leadership and management skills necessary to assume the responsibilities of an Air Force staff sergeant and beyond,” Sgt. Parrish said. “The Air Force wants to develop Airmen who can rise to the top and get promoted to staff sergeant.”

The day concluded after applicants had the opportunity to talk with Airmen from various career fields that included aerospace medicine, airfield management and maintenance, and aircraft crew chiefs.

“Bringing applicants to Seymour Johnson helps everyone see our Airmen at work and how the Air Force takes care of them by ensuring they have quality living quarters, food and many job opportunities,” Sgt. Worstell said. “I’ve had great opportunities throughout my military career; now it’s my turn to show others what a great way of life the Air Force can provide.”

For more information on the delayed enlistment program, call local Air Force recruiters at (919) 759-2719.

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