Proud: Gala underlines importance of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to national security

The Friends of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base held its annual gala on Saturday night, and there was the usual praise for the base, which is always ranked among the Air Force's finest.

That status could become even more important if certain counties and organizations continue to pose serious threats against the safety of our nation. The new White House has vowed to increase military spending, and if there is one place where money is well spent, it is with the United States Air Force.

The future of warfare is in the sky, and with the right equipment and personnel, bases like Seymour Johnson offer the best hope for protecting the freedom we enjoy. No other power on Earth can compete with U.S. air strength, and in these days of uncertainty over international terrorism, plus emerging threats like North Korea, Iran and Syria, we need to ensure that the U.S. and its allies possess the air power necessary to keep the world safe.

Events like Saturday night's help ensure that the viability of Seymour Johnson, in particular, is not a worry. Wayne County is proud of its association with the Air Force and is continuing to do all it can to keep the relationship between the base and the community a healthy one.

The base is a key part of national security, and we are hopeful that increased military spending will expand its role.

Published in Editorials on March 27, 2017 9:36 AM