History and role of USAF's 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB

The 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has a storied history dating back to World War II. Originating from American volunteers in the Royal Air Force's Eagle Squadrons, the wing became part of the U.S. Army Air Forces as the 4th Fighter Group on September 12, 1942. According to the US Air Force, "Before the United States' entry into World War II, American volunteers were already serving as combat veterans in Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons."

Throughout its history, the wing has played a crucial role in air superiority missions and global deployment readiness. Its contributions include participation in conflicts such as the Gulf War and operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. As stated by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, "The 4th Fighter Wing has deployed in support of operations in multiple theaters including Iraq and Afghanistan."

The organizational structure of the wing consists of four primary groups: Operations, Maintenance, Mission Support, and Medical. Each group plays a vital role in ensuring operational success. The Maintenance Group is noted for its innovative approaches to maximizing aircraft availability.