Congressman Davis: Seymour Johnson could lose fighter squadron and 520 jobs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON, N.C. (WITN) -Potential changes proposed by the Secretary of the Air Force could mean big changes for Seymour Johnson Air Force base and the Wayne County economy.

First District Democratic Congressman Don Davis, a member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee, says Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, has decided to divest a full fighter squadron of F-15E aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Davis says the divestment of 26 aircraft would eliminate 520 jobs from Wayne County.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday, Davis sought answers from Secretary Kendall.

Davis says, “As a dedicated member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, I urge the Air Force to keep all four squadrons at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Wayne County, including all 94 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft or replace them one-for-one with other aircraft. Seymour Johnson is indispensable to the local economy and a crown jewel of our nation’s military installations.

He goes on to say losing 520 jobs would be devastating for the local economy.

Davis has sent a letter to President Biden urging the Administration not to divest the squadron.

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