Seymour Johnson AFB
Seymour Johnson AFB PCS Guide
Base History & Name
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Seymour Johnson Air Force Base opened in 1942 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to support the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The base’s first mission was to train B-25 Mitchell bomber crews, meeting a critical wartime need.
The base honors Navy Lt. Seymour A. Johnson, a Goldsboro native and naval aviator who died in 1941. After World War II, the base closed in 1946 but reopened in 1956 due to Cold War tensions.
Reactivation brought major expansion, including new runways and modern facilities for jet aircraft. The arrival of the 83rd Fighter-Day Wing marked the base’s shift to a tactical fighter role.
During the Cold War, Seymour Johnson AFB hosted several key units, including the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, which arrived in 1957. The wing operated F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs, and later F-4 Phantom IIs.
The base played a vital role in U.S. airpower projection, supporting deployments to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and maintaining strong readiness throughout the Cold War.
Today, Seymour Johnson AFB is home to the 4th Fighter Wing, which flies F-15E Strike Eagles. The base supports global strike missions, pilot training, and rapid deployment capabilities.
Seymour Johnson AFB remains a major employer and community partner in eastern North Carolina. The base has kept its original name since its dedication, honoring its namesake’s legacy.
Namesake
His legacy as a pioneering aviator and local hero led to the base being named in his honor, making Seymour Johnson AFB one of the few Air Force installations named after a Navy officer.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Air Force aircraft armament systems technicians, assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 316th Fighter Squadron, both at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, complete a weapons systems evaluation before an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets assigned to the 157th Fighter...
Major Units
4th Fighter Wing
The 4th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Seymour Johnson AFB and operates F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. Its primary mission is to provide worldwide deployable airpower and support combat operations through precision strike and air superiority missions.
916th Air Refueling Wing
The 916th Air Refueling Wing is an Air Force Reserve Command unit that operates KC-46A Pegasus and previously KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Its mission is to provide air refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied aircraft.
Training Schools
F-15E Strike Eagle Formal Training Unit (FTU)
Overview
Provides initial and advanced training for F-15E pilots and weapon systems officers, including flight operations, tactics, and weapons employment.
Course Length
Approximately 6-9 months
Who Attends
Newly assigned F-15E pilots and weapon systems officers
Arrival & In-Processing
The crowd watches the F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, F-22 Demo Team, during the 2023 Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 21, 2023. Seymour Johnson AFB opened its gates to the public for a free, two-day event as a way to thank the local...
Welcome to Seymour Johnson AFB! Arriving at a new base is an exciting step, and being prepared makes your transition smoother. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during check-in helps you and your family settle in quickly. For more details, visit the official Seymour Johnson AFB website.
The main entrance to Seymour Johnson AFB is the Berkeley Gate, which serves as the primary access point for all incoming personnel and visitors. The Berkeley Gate is open 24/7, ensuring you can arrive at any time. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or approved visitor pass. If you use a state-issued driver's license, ensure it meets REAL ID Act standards—non-compliant IDs are not accepted for base access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all gates. Security forces maintain a vigilant posture to ensure everyone’s safety. For family members or guests, request a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center before entry. Sponsors must be present or pre-authorize guests for access.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (lease or assignment paperwork)
Seymour Johnson AFB offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals. Contact your gaining unit or the Military Personnel Flight to request a sponsor before your move. Your sponsor will guide you through in-processing and answer questions about the base and local area.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the main gate. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Key steps include checking in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices. Plan to complete in-processing within 2-3 business days, depending on your schedule and required briefings.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Berkeley Gate, making it easy to stop before entering the base. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and assisting with guest sponsorship procedures. All visitors must check in at the VCC before being allowed access to the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Being in the military can be stressful, especially when moving to a new base. The Travel Management Office is here to help when it comes to packing, shipping and delivering your personal property from one base to another. The TMO can be reached at (325) 696-2029. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kylee Thomas)
Arriving at Seymour Johnson AFB starts with receiving your official PCS orders. As soon as you have orders, contact the base Transportation Office to schedule your move and discuss your options. The two main move types are a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government contracts movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), where you handle the move yourself and may be reimbursed. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage your move, track shipments, and upload documents. DPS is your main tool for scheduling, tracking, and communicating about your PCS move.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all PCS orders and important documents with you during travel.
- Schedule your move early, especially during summer peak season.
- Double-check your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Take photos of high-value items before pack-out.
- Contact the base lodging office to book temporary housing early.
- If moving with pets, research local kennels and pet policies in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Find current per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Get checklists, planning tools, and relocation support.
Estimate your DLA entitlement.
Official base guide for arriving personnel and families.
Schools & Childcare
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Families stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB rely on local public schools, as there are no DoDEA schools on base. The Wayne County Public Schools district serves the area, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is your key resource for navigating school enrollment, special programs, and education transitions. Contact the SLO early to get personalized guidance and support for your child’s educational needs.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring high-quality early childhood education.
School Age Care (SAC) Program
SAC offers before- and after-school care, summer camps, and full-day programs during school breaks. The program emphasizes safety, homework help, and fun activities for school-age children.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC provides in-home care by certified providers living on or near base. Flexible schedules and small group sizes make it a good fit for families needing non-traditional hours or sibling care.
Local Schools
Wayne County Public Schools
Wayne County Public Schools is the main district serving Seymour Johnson AFB. The district offers a variety of academic programs, including STEM and arts, and has schools with ratings ranging from average to above-average on GreatSchools.org. Families appreciate the district's support for military-connected students.
Meadow Lane Elementary School
Meadow Lane Elementary is located near the base and serves many military families. The school has a reputation for a welcoming environment and dedicated staff, with solid academic performance in core subjects. GreatSchools.org rates it around average for the area.
Eastern Wayne Middle School
Eastern Wayne Middle School is a popular choice for military families due to its proximity to the base. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, with average state test scores and a supportive staff.
Eastern Wayne High School
Eastern Wayne High School serves grades 9-12 and is known for its JROTC program, athletics, and supportive environment for military-connected students. The school receives average ratings on GreatSchools.org and offers AP and career-focused courses.
Space-A Travel & Passenger Terminal
Terminal Contact Information
Terminal Location
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC Passenger Terminal.
Please verify the exact building number, operating hours, and directions upon arrival or by contacting the terminal directly using the information provided.
Terminal Amenities
Waiting Area
Comfortable seating and restrooms available for passengers.
Wi-Fi Access
Complimentary internet for travelers.
Family Lounge
Designated space for families with children.
Vending Machines
Snacks and beverages for purchase on site.
Space-A Eligibility & Signup
For detailed Space-Available (Space-A) travel eligibility requirements and the most current sign-up procedures for flights from Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, please refer to the official Air Mobility Command (AMC) website or contact the passenger terminal directly.
Information can typically be found regarding travel categories (DoD Categories I-VI), necessary documentation (e.g., CAC, leave forms, dependent IDs), and any specific local policies.
It's always recommended to confirm details well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Common Destinations
Joint Base Charleston, SC
Seats often available; ideal for quick regional travel.
Dover AFB, DE
Popular for connections to Northeast; check schedules for early departures.
Andrews AFB, MD
High demand during holidays; arrive early for roll call.