25 years of dominant Strike Eagle airpower

by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2013 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airmen from across the globe, and the decades, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the F-15E Strike Eagle here, April 12, 2013. The aircrew, and the operational capability of this dual-role fighter aircraft, have faced formidable threats and significantly shaped the battlefield for more than a quarter of a century.

Airmen and their family members reunited to commemorate the historic achievement of this combat-tested aircraft.

"This anniversary (was) an opportunity for Strike Eagle Airmen, past and present, to get together in shared comradeship to celebrate their service and dedication to this great aircraft and its history," said Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander.

The first production line of Strike Eagles was delivered to Luke Air Force Base, AZ, in April 1988 for initial training. In September 1989, the aircraft reached operational capability at Seymour Johnson AFB. Currently, the 4th FW hosts two F-15E squadrons and the only two F-15E Formal Training Units across the Air Force.

"I've been with the airplane ever since day one," said Ret. Lt. Col. Bob Halverson, former 4th Training Squadron commander. "I really feel like it's a part of me and I've been working on it continuously for 25 years. This event could not be missed because of its importance and because it is a truly unique airplane. It is the best fighter ever built, that is uncontested."

Since its induction into the Air Force's arsenal, the Strike Eagle has been equipped with many upgrades to keep its efficiency current. An array of avionics improvements coupled with a sturdier airframe designed to double the life expectancy of earlier variants have contributed to the longevity of the aircraft.

With no slated replacements, the F-15E is expected to continue its reign as one of the Air Force's most potent and capable fighters for years to come.

"The F-15E is going to be around for at least another 25 years and it is not the same airplane that it was 25 years ago," said Halverson. "It's the next generation. We're putting new radar on it; we're putting new computer processors on it. The enemy knows that they're going to have a really bad day when a squadron of Strike Eagles shows up on their doorstep."