Congressman Don Davis Demands Answers from Air Force on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During today’s House Armed Services Committee hearing, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) demanded answers from Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on why he decided to divest a full fighter squadron of F-15E aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB), located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The divestment of 26 aircraft would eliminate 520 jobs from Wayne County, one of the most economically distressed counties in the state.

“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,” said Congressman Don Davis. "Seymour Johnson is indispensable to the local economy and a crown jewel of our nation’s military installations. Losing 520 jobs and an additional 6,000 jobs from a possible menthol ban would send our already struggling regional economy into a tailspin. We will not stop fighting for Seymour Johnson and our region. Not now, not ever.”

During his questioning, Congressman Davis asked why the Air Force has yet to deliver a required report to the Committee on F-15E divestment decisions. He followed up by pressing Secretary Kendall to preview the report findings since the Committee had expected the report before the hearing.

Next, Congressman Davis emphasized the detrimental impact of massive job losses to the local economy. He questioned whether decisions to divest should consider the broader effects on communities and urged a balance between national security interests and the local economy. As part of this line of questioning, Congressman Davis asked the Secretary if he had any background information on Wayne County’s economy.

Congressman Davis pressed on the alternatives to the existing mission and asked for information on any ongoing efforts to consider alternative missions. 

Full Video of Congressman Davis’ questioning is here.  

Additional Background: 

• On April 2, 2024, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the Administration not to divest an F-15E aircraft fighter squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Read the full letter here.

• On March 13, 2024, Congressman Davis delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding the changes at SJAFB. Full Video of Congressman Davis’ speech on the House Floor is here.

• On November 20, 2023, Congressman Davis toured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) during an official CODEL visit to deepen his understanding of the operations and challenges of SJAFB, and to express unwavering support for the brave men and women in uniform. 

Congressman Davis serves as Vice Ranking Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and is a member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Congressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. 

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