Over 2 million people serve our country in both active and reserve roles in the military each year. A tour to a military base can not only give you an appreciation for what these guys and gals do every day, but also allow visitors to marvel at the engineering, admire the leadership and respect traditions.
Seymour Johnson AFB, proud home of the F-15E Strike Eagle and the KC-135 Stratotanker, has become known and awarded as the “Best Air Force Base in the World.” Housing the largest inventory of F-15Es in the world, Goldsboro is the hub for training and deploying the nation’s best fighter pilots and weapon systems operators.
FREE base tours are offered the last Thursday of every month. During the tour, you’ll learn about the multi-faceted mission of the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing, and how these two “wings” make Seymour Johnson AFB one of the most fascinating and vital bases in the armed forces.
Participants enter the airfield gates with the thunderous sounds of F-15E Strike Eagles overhead. The tour features a close-up look at jets and peak inside a cockpit – and, participants learn facts, such as their engines have the capability of 44,000 pounds of thrust during operations. Plus, it’s highly likely you’ll witness an F-15E Strike Eagle thundering down the runway.
You’ll be able to take pictures, however, bring a non-camera phone – meaning a point-and-shoot camera unattached to a cellular device. There will be times when pictures are not allowed, and participants are asked to please be mindful and respectful of the sensitive areas.
Transportation is provided on an air-conditioned bus, and minimal walking is required on the tour. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and last approximately 3 hours. We suggest you bring water and a snack. Before heading home, we recommend having lunch at one of our famous BBQ joint on our Brews & ‘Cue Trail.
To secure your spot on one of these FREE, exciting tours, please call the Goldsboro Travel & Tourism office at 919-734-7922 or email aherring@goldsboronc.gov. When calling or emailing to reserve your spot, our office will provide any other details and directions to SJAFB’s Visitor’s Center, the usual pickup location for the tour.