Wing commander opens gates to neighbors

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Kwast
  • 4th FW commander
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  I'm pleased to once again invite the public to the Wings Over Wayne Air Show 2007 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, home of the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing, to see first hand how the Airmen of Team Seymour and the Air Force fly and fight. 

Team Seymour plays a vital and continuous role in providing airpower on-target, on-time for America. This week alone we've sent more than 100 men and women from the 4th Fighter Wing out the door to support global operations. But we have more than airpower at Seymour Johnson. 

When the Secretary of the Air Force visited here earlier this year, he said we were the "crown jewel of the Air Force." The sincere support and the bond between our Airmen and our community are apparent even to visitors. The lasting friendships the base enjoys make it possible for our Airmen to accomplish the mission. We couldn't do it without your support. 

In honor of you, we're opening our gates to say thank you and to show you the mighty capabilities of our own F-15E Strike Eagle with our demonstration team, the KC-135R Stratotanker that partners with us to get the fuel needed to get anywhere in the world, and the amazing and professional Airmen that make this wing tick. 

While you're here, take a moment to meet the Airmen on the ground when you're not busy looking to the skies. Ask them about our aircraft, their jobs and their military experiences. They are your neighbors. 

The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights and the Tora! Tora! Tora! Pearl Harbor reenactment will headline our show. In addition to military airpower of the past and present, you'll witness some incredible civilian aircraft acts and get to take a close look at the many aircraft parked on the airfield. 

We want everyone to enjoy our air show to the fullest. We're expecting a large crowd this year, so take a few minutes to come up with a family plan in case you get separated in the crowds. Remember to prepare for a day in the sun by staying hydrated, using sunscreen, bringing chairs and sunglasses, and making safe decisions. 

Thank you for coming out to Wings Over Wayne 2007. Enjoy the show!