FOURTH BUT FIRST

While the US Air Force was celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2017, the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB in was marking its 75th. As the USAF’s largest F-15E Strike Eagle wing, it’s a unit that never stands still.

A three-ship of JDAM-toting F-15Es from the 4th Fighter Wing flies over Roanoke Island, near the Outer Banks, North Carolina, during a mission from Seymour Johnson AFB.
report and photos: James Deboer

AMERICAN VOLUNTEER PILOTS who stepped forward in 1940 to fly alongside the Royal Air Force in World War Two were at the heart of the United States Army Air Forces’ 4th Fighter Group as the US formally joined the European campaign in September 1942. It marked the birth of one of the most distinguished US military units, and one that continues to lead from the front in the modern US Air Force.

<

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below