and protected by conservation efforts. This area acts as a buffer to
communities located near the DCR.
The Navy portion of the site hosts four laser, one strafing, and eleven
multipurpose bombing and laser targets while the Air Force portion of the
range contains a variety of practice targets including a centrally located
nuclear target, one conventional target, six improved targets on gravel pads,
three heated targets for infrared training, two low‐angle strafe pits, and an
extensive array for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT). Because
the DCR is approved for use during day and nighttime, Night Vision Goggle
(NVG) compatible lighting is available for aircrew use.
The DCR houses several administrative, command and control, and
maintenance facilities. The main tower accommodates administrative
offices and Weapons Impact Scoring System (WISS) control. Two other
towers, located east and west of the main tower are used for score spotting.
Next to the main tower are several maintenance buildings used for
equipment storage and workshop space. An additional facility includes a
helicopter pad near the intersection of Navy Shell Road and Center Road.
3.2
Military Operations
Mission
Seymour Johnson is a major base for Air Combat Command whose mission is
to support worldwide air operations by providing deployable aircraft and
trained airmen for combat missions.
The primary mission performed at Seymour Johnson AFB belongs to the
base's host command, the 4th Fighter Wing (FW). The mission of the 4th FW
is "Dominant Strike Eagle Airpower...Anytime, Anywhere". The Wing’s vision
is “Be the Combat Wing of Choice…Follow Us!” The 4th FW provides
all‐weather F‐15E Strike Eagle aircraft and training academy for all
USAF aircrew on the aircraft to provide worldwide deployable airmen and
aircraft. In addition to the host unit, Seymour Johnson AFB has three other
major tenant units: the USAF 916th Air Refueling Wing, 414th Fighter Group,
and the 567th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair
Squadron.
3.3
Military Footprint
Mission and testing activities conducted by Seymour Johnson AFB and the
DCR generate a number of impacts that can affect the health, safety, and
overall quality of life of the surrounding community. Examples of these
mission impacts include noise and vibration from overhead flights or the risk
of an aircraft accident. Conversely, the military mission is susceptible to
hazards created by certain nearby civilian activities and land use
development that may obstruct air space or locate noise sensitive land uses
in high noise zones. Understanding the overlapping spatial patterns of these
impacts within military operational areas is essential for promoting
compatible and informed land use decisions. The following section
discusses the military footprints of Seymour Johnson AFB and DCR
separately.
Several elements or mission profiles comprise the mission footprint that
extends outside the Seymour Johnson AFB and DCR properties.
Seymour Johnson AFB
The following outlines the different elements that comprise the
Seymour Johnson AFB military operational footprint:
Flight Patterns
Special Use Airspace
Military Training Routes
Imaginary Surfaces
FAA Part 77 Obstruction
Evaluation Area
Aircraft Safety Zones
Aircraft Noise Contours
High Risk of Adverse Impact Zone
(HRAIZ)
Bird / Wildlife Air Strike Hazard
(BASH)
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Seymour Johnson AFB and Dare County Range JLUS Report