At a Moment's Notice: Collaborative effort ensures safety of SJAFB assets

  • Published
  • By Airman Shawna L. Keyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC --  More than 60 F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing and a KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 916th Air Refueling Wing, were repositioned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Oct. 1, 2015, in response to the increased probability of winds from Hurricane Joaquin damaging the assets of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

The large-scale movement was completed less than 12 hours following initial notification of the move by Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander. Aircraft repositioning is part of a standard precautionary emergency response plan.

"Contingency plans such as the one just executed are part of several emergency routines for military installations to ensure the safety and security of the installation's aircraft," Slocum said. "It takes precise execution and dedication from our professional Airmen to move such a large number of our military assets on such short notice, and our Team Seymour Airmen once again knocked it out of the park."

According to several weather analysts, Hurricane Joaquin is projected to affect the East Coast with high winds and rain.

Seymour Johnson is no stranger to executing its emergency response plan when it comes to hurricanes. Last year, the 4th FW was tasked to reposition more than 50 aircraft is response to Hurricane Arthur.

"Our team of professional Airmen constantly plan and exercise for contingencies like this, so we are prepared to move quickly when damaging weather is forecasted," Slocum said. "SJAFB hosts the largest number of F-15Es in the Department of Defense and this firepower is critical to the nation's ability to fight. It is important to act early in order to protect these important assets to national security."

More than 190 Airmen assigned to several 4th FW and 916th ARW also accompanied the aircraft to provide additional maintenance and logistical support during the process.

"It is a testament to our Airmen's resolute professionalism and selfless service that they were able to fulfill such an important requirement at a moment's notice," said Lt. Col. Ryan Nash, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander. "It embodies what we stand for at the 4th Fighter Wing when we allude to providing airpower anytime, anyplace."

Upon the arrival to their end location in Louisiana, members of the 2nd Bomb Wing, the host unit for Barksdale AFB, were on hand to make the visit as seamless as possible.

"We are primed to ensure Seymour Johnson Airmen have a comfortable stay as we welcome them with Barksdale's southern hospitality," said Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander.

Airmen throughout the 2nd BW's maintenance, operations, support and logistics units worked overtime to ensure the installation was prepared to host the large-scale movement and provide continuity for the arriving support teams.

"The collaborative work of both the 4th Fighter Wing and 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB is a true example of total force effort," Slocum said. "We thank our 2nd Bomb Wing partners for being world-class hosts to our Airmen."