For Immediate Release

Seymour Johnson Cancels Air Show - Congressional Uncertainty

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - The 2013 Wings Over Wayne Open House and Air Show, scheduled for May 18-19, has been cancelled.

Driven by the dual threat of operating under a continuing resolution and potential sequestration, U.S. Air Force leadership at all levels are proactively implementing near-term actions to minimize impacts to Air Force personnel while protecting operational readiness.

"Our decision to cease planning for the 2013 air show comes after careful review and consideration of the fiscal challenges the Air Force, the Department of Defense and our nation face," said Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "We're taking prudent measures and doing our best to mitigate our budget risks and align available resources with current and emerging operational requirements. Remaining as mission-ready as possible and preserving our combat capability is our imperative and we're prioritizing spending to ensure this priority is met."

For more than 55 years, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has enjoyed unparalleled community support from Wayne County, Goldsboro and the surrounding communities, which made this decision difficult.

For more information, call the 4th FW Public Affairs office at (919) 722-0027.

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Original Press Release for Air Show

 

"One of the world's best air shows of 2013"

to be presented by Seymour Johnson AFB

 

 

 

By NCPressRelease.com, Robert B. Butler

 

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - Colonel Jeannie Leavitt, Base Commander and first female fighter pilot in the U.S., extends a public invitation to attend the Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro. The air show will salute our service men and women around the globe, past and present. Leavitt plans to pay tribute to Operation Homecoming 1973, during its 40th anniversary, when North Vietnam released American POWs from captivity. 

 

Major Steven Bofferding, Air Show Director and F-15E pilot commented, "This biennial exhibition has attracted an incredible array of aircraft and skilled pilots. Seymour Johnson will truly feature one of the world's best Air Shows of 2013." The last air show in 2011 drew over 175,000 visitors from across the country.

 

Headlining the show will be the Blue Angels. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron consist of six F/A-18 Hornets and a C-130T Hercules named "Fat Albert." Other exhibitions include the F-15E Strike Eagle; the 4CE Formation Aerobatic Team; the MV-22 Osprey; Black Daggers Special Forces Parachute Team (from Fort Bragg); F-22 Raptor; flyovers by the B-2 Bomber and F-35 Lightning; Lee Lauderback and his P-51; F-18 Demo from NAS; Indy Boys Jet School Bus; F-16, A-10, F-5, HH-60 Combined Arms Demonstration; and Patty Wagstaff, America's 1st female National Aerobatic Champion. Air Boss for the day is: George Cline. Announcer: Rob Reider. More aerial and ground displays will be announced in the future.

 

This fascinating weekend of technological marvel, exploration, and family fun also includes music, autographs, exhibits, and precision ground performances. There will be a kid- zone, complete with huge jumping castles, bungee jumping, trampolines, flight simulators, rock climbing walls, and Euro Ball races. Food and beverages available on site.

 

Seymour Johnson AFB is home to the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916 Air Refueling Wing, consisting of 7,000 people and 95 multi-role F-15E Strike Eagles. The 4th Fighter Wing, formerly commanded by Chuck Yeager, is one of the largest wings in the USAF, and has a highly decorated history spanning nearly seven decades. 

 
Air Show Dates: May 18 & 19, 2013
Gates: Open at 8AM and close at 6:30PM each day
Admission and parking: Free. 
Location: Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, N.C.

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Media contacts:

 

Maj Steven Bofferding, Air Show Director

Seymour Johnson AFB

Goldsboro, North Carolina USA

919-722-3543

[email protected] 

 

Lt Keavy Rake, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Seymour Johnson AFB

Goldsboro, North Carolina USA

919-722-1030

[email protected]

 

 

Seymour Johnson asks you consider helping restock the Salvation Army Food pantry by bringing canned good donations. A collection point will be at the entrance. Over the weekend, dreams will come true for children in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

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