SJAFB F-15Es could take part in airstrikes
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 2, 2014 1:46 PM
Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing -- and the F-15Es they are charged with commanding -- have joined ongoing military operations overseas.
And while officials from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base would not specifically confirm that local Strike Eagle pilots were involved in bombing campaigns against ISIL, they did say that should "mission requirements dictate" the 4th's involvement, men, women and aircraft from the Goldsboro installation would enter the fray.
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs chief Maj. Amber Millerchip said this morning that airmen and aircraft were deployed earlier this week to "an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia."
"These airmen were sent ... to support the U.S. Central Command area of operations, in order to enhance regional partnerships and demonstrate a continued commitment to regional security and stability," she said. "Combatant commanders have once again called on the F-15E Strike Eagle and the airmen of the 4th Fighter Wing and we have answered that call.
"Our airmen maintain a constant state of readiness to provide Dominant Strike Eagle airpower anytime, anyplace. We will support the requirements of regional U.S. commanders, to include conducting airstrikes in the ongoing battle against ISIL if mission requirements dictate."
Ms. Millerchip said media were not allowed to cover the deployment -- and were only informed of the deployment this morning -- to ensure "operational security."
She cited what she called the "standard" Air Force public affairs practice of not informing the public of a deployment until after the airmen arrive in theater.