(The Center Square) – Should F-15E aircraft get transferred from Air Force bases like Seymour Johnson in North Carolina, it’ll come with a one-for-one replacement of other aircraft pending final approval of the National Defense Authorization Act.
North Carolina, home to five major military bases plus a Coast Guard station and Army military ocean terminal on the coast, has an estimated 91,000 active service members that will reap the 3.8% pay raise. This includes junior enlisted servicemembers.
At Seymour Johnson in Wayne County, the Goldsboro community has nervously anticipated the possible changes to the local economy should the F-15E Strike Eagles be moved or replaced. It goes with changes to bases nationwide always sparking concern.
As the U.S. Senate next takes on the annual defense appropriation approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening, it will consider a $900.6 billion package that authorizes $38 billion for aircraft, $34 billion for nuclear defense, $26 billion for shipbuilding, $25 billion for munitions and $900 million to combat drug trafficking.
A significant portion, $142 billion, goes toward research and development of new military technologies, including biotechnology, hypersonic weapons and artificial intelligence.
The annual appropriation has been passed 64 consecutive years. Second-term Republican President Donald Trump has indicated he’ll sign if and when it reaches his desk.
For the Tarheel State installations:
• At Seymour Johnson, there is a $54 million authorization for a child development center; $41 million for the Combat Arms Training Complex; and required reports related to F-15E maintenance and upgrades to F-15E Strike Eagle engine propulsion capabilities.
• At Fort Bragg, there is $400.8 million across seven areas. The largest funding is $145 million for Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point. Next is $80 million for a Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center and $80 million for power generation and a resilient microgrid to keep critical missions running.
Also at Fort Bragg, the bill sends $44.7 million to upgrades of the Freedom Village, known also as Forward Operating Base Freedom; $24 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar; $19 million for an automated infantry platoon battle course; and $8.1 million for the Special Operations Forces Joint Intelligence Center.
• At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, there is $90 million for an operations facility; $51.4 million for Special Operations Forces Combat Service Support/Motor Transport Expansion; and $48.28 million for amphibious combat vehicle shelters.
• At Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, there is $40 million for the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center at the Fleet Readiness Center East; and $15 million for flightline utilities needed for additional F-35 squadrons. The FRC East funding ensures Marine F-35Es will be maintained for the next 50 years.
“Through enhancing peace through strength, improving servicemembers’ quality of life, and strengthening American deterrence, we can best protect our country, keep the world safe, and safeguard taxpayers’ dollars,” said U.S. Rep. Dr. Greg Murphy, R-N.C.
His 3rd Congressional District is home to Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point and MCAS New River.
“This NDAA secures critical investments for our armed services and North Carolina’s military community, including tens of millions for Fort Bragg,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C.
His 9th Congressional District is home to the majority of the sprawling Fort Bragg, a 251-square mile installation spread into four counties – namely the Fayetteville community in Cumberland County – and home to the 82nd Airborne and Special Operations Command. It is colloquially known as recipient of the 911 calls made by presidents.
The bill, haggled over by both parties and the White House to reach current form, codifies 15 executive orders from Trump and 30 significant legislative proposals.
Passage was 312-112 in a chamber with 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats. The nays included 18 Republicans, and the yeas had 115 Democrats. Five Republicans and four Democrats did not vote.
Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee was the lone vote against from North Carolina. A trio of Democrats were for the bill – Reps. Don Davis, Deborah Ross and Alma Adams. Also for it along with Murphy and Hudson were Republican Reps. Virginia Foxx, Addison McDowell, David Rouzer, Rev. Mark Harris, Pat Harrigan, Chuck Edwards, Brad Knott and Tim Moore.
