Aircraft

The power and precision of USAF’s F-15E Strike Eagles starts with the Fourth Fighter Wing.

When

The Outer Banks of North Carolina blur beneath an F-15E of the 335th Fighter Squadron as it heads out over the Atlantic on a training sortie.

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AIR FORCE Magazine / June 2004

Eagles Strike

Photography by Guy Aceto, Art Director and Paul Kennedy

AIR FORCE Magazine / June 2004

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he 4th Fighter Wing originated with three “Eagle Squadrons”— American volunteers who flew in Britain’s Royal Air Force before US entry into World War II. They were among the first to face the German Luftwaffe and numbered some of the first American aces in that war. They also destroyed more enemy aircraft than any other American unit. Since they led the way, the wing’s motto, “Fourth but First,” seemed a natural.

Based at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., the unit was also first to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle operationally and the first to take it to war in Desert Storm in 1991.

Photo by Paul Kennedy

The 4th FW today has nearly 90 fighters in four squadrons: the 333rd, 334th, 335th, and 336th. It is one of the largest fighter wings in the Air Force. Above, a returning Strike Eagle taxis past a long row of F-15Es. Left and below, last-minute checks are performed before takeoff on an afternoon mission.

In addition to supporting operational missions, Seymour Johnson hosts the F-15E “schoolhouse,” where Strike Eagle crews learn their trade. The 4th Training Squadron handles the academics, while the 333rd and 334th provide the flying training. Every F-15E crew starts here before being assigned to one of six Strike Eagle squadrons in USAF. At right, a pair of F-15Es prepare to light the burners for takeoff while two more move into position on a busy day of flying.

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AIR FORCE Magazine / June 2004

Staff photos by Guy Aceto

An F-15E pulls a hard right turn, showing off its capacity to carry a wide array of stores. Just behind the air intakes are the...