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As a former military spouse, I’ve visited and even lived on multiple military installations. But going on a military base on a tour was a new experience even for me. This article reviews my tour of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and provides tips on preparing yourself if you’d like to tour a military base near you.
Seymour Johnson AFB, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is one of the largest bases in North Carolina and the only Air Force base named after a Navy pilot. Like most military bases, individuals can tour the base on their own, but it won’t be the same experience as a guided tour. Military bases are a small compressed community just like a city. Most bases have various workplaces, day care centers, schools, hospitals, housing, bowling alleys, grocery stores, movie theaters, and even their own fire department. Civilian group tours at Seymour Johnson are offered on the last Thursday of every month.
The meet up location was the parking lot of the Planet Fitness in Goldsboro. The tour departs at 9:00 am, so don’t be late! A member of the Visit Goldsboro office provided us with a list of the ten recommended places to eat lunch, as well as area maps and city brochures.
WHAT WE SAW
- Windshield Tour
After driving through the security gates at the base, we took a quick driving tour of the base and learned some of its
- Training Hangar
Our first stop was at the training hangar for the 29th Company. We were able to see an F-15 jet up close! Recent graduates of the mechanical technical schools were practicing their skills on an F-15. While I really appreciated being able to finally ask some questions about jets, my lack of basic knowledge was apparent. I enjoyed eavesdropping on questions being asked by those who had served and been in some jets in the past.
And then the hangar doors opened. And we were next to the tarmac. We saw some cargo planes take off but my favorite part was seeing fighter jets take off. The amount of power you could feel just standing there was amazing! I could have stood there all day!
- Air Traffic Control Tower
Yes! We were able to actually enter the air traffic control tower and step onto the floor! Air traffic controllers explained their communications with other control zones. Unfortunately for us, we did not have an opportunity to see a flight take off or land while we were in the tower — but they have the best view on the entire base!
Rising ten floors, visitors can either take the stairs or the elevator. We enjoyed walking on the outside platform (though I’m afraid of heights so I took the photo of our bus without looking down!).
- Fire Department
Like most fire departments, the fire department at Seymour Johnson AFB responds to emergencies in housing and work places. The difference is that this fire department also responds to airplane emergencies and hazmat calls. During our visit, a pilot declared a landing emergency when a sensor showed a potential issue with the hydraulics in the landing gear. Since we were in the training auditorium at the time the call came in, we were able to hear the emergency call from the air traffic control tower relaying the emergency. The hospital and fire department acknowledged and prepared themselves for the landing. We did not get to see the emergency landing but heard that pilot and plane made a safe landing.
With a staff of almost 70 people, only a handful are civilian, the rest of the force is comprised of active duty members. Working in shifts of 48 hours at a time, the firehouse has to become like a second home. Firemen have access to individual bunks, a theater-like room, a games room (with even a pool table!), a kitchen that would make many chefs jealous, and fully-equipped gym.
One of the two original fire trucks at the base has been refurbished and is on display. It gets to ride in parades and it is pretty amazing that a 1942 or so truck has been restored to its glory.
- Heritage Park
See the transition of planes through the years. Several display planes include plaques recognizing special groups in the history of the Air Force and the base in particular. A park plaza also features a water fountain with four jet planes. Located at a busy intersection, this is an area that will put the visit into historical context.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Sign up for the tours in advance. Once they’re full, they’re full!
- The tour lasts approximately 3-3.5 hours.
- Visitors should be able to climb in and out of an activity bus.
- Don’t bring extra stuff with you. You’ll be able to leave items on the bus but if possible, leave unnecessary items in your car.
- Carry valid ID with you.
- Every April the base hosts Wings Over Wayne – an air show.
- Find out more details.
I’ve never attended an air show before, but after this tour, I really enjoyed Wings Over Wayne, April 28-29, 2019. Admission and parking are FREE! Find more information here.
Have you visited a military base through a tour before?
You can read more about Goldsboro here:
If you’re visiting nearby Kinston, consider these:
- A weekend in Kinston
- The Chef and The Farmer experience
- Boiler Room Oyster Bar experience
- O’Neil Hotel review
- Mother Earth Brewing visit
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
What is some things.. that you brought and were useful and what other you think that could be useful my child and the JROTC 4classes are attending to this and I have no idea what we need and what we don’t… since were going all in buses it be difficult to take all I wanna take or something I’m gonna miss help please
They really shouldn’t need anything but a camera and maybe a water bottle and some kind of protein bar. Most stops had water fountains and restrooms. We didn’t stop for lunch until after 1pm so a snack is a good idea. They’ll have a great time!
I don’t even know that we can tour an Air Force Base. This is really interesting. You got to learn and see a lot. From seeing the F-15 jet up-close to visit the air traffic control tower, and you could even listened the emergency call from the air traffic control tower to relaying the emergency. How cool!
Two years ago I attended a travel writers’ meeting in North Carolina and Seymour Johnson AFB was one of the fam trips organized by the local tourist board. I chose another fam trip instead, but after seeing how interesting this military base really is I’m sorry I skipped it. My husband would surely enjoy touring the Seymour Johnson AFB, so maybe next time we go to NC we’ll visit it.
Who knew, right? What a great fam trip that must have been.
I’ve toured battleships, submarines, airplane manufacturing plants, but I have never thought of exploring a Air Force base. Until now! I think this is a great educational experience to share with families who have loved ones who are serving or even children. I love how you get a glimpse into their lives on base. I definitely will go on a airbase tour soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
This sounds like a great experience- from seeing the an F-15 in the hanger to visiting the air traffic control tower. Sounds like a great tour!
What I really like about this base is that it seems to provide a very varied and hands on experience. I love that you get to go all the way up in the air traffic control tower, but totally understand why you would hate looking down! I so hate heights as well! Good point about getting the guided tour. Military history is so nuanced and specific, I would imagine walking around and teaching yourself is nowhere near the same experience as walking and learning from someone who actually knows the history and will tell you the stories behind each exhibit, rather than just looking at them.
I was surprised by the amount of access we got.
This looks like an awesome place to visit! I love that Fire Engine from 1942. I would love to see that so beautifully restored! I would love to go and learn the history here.
I would love to do a tour like this. I had worked at Sydney Airport when I was younger but to actually do a tour of a Military Airforce Base would be a dream. It would have been really interesting to visit the Control Tower. I actually thought for security reasons that they would not allow this in the States, but so glad that you can.
I had no clue that it was possible to visit Air Force bases for tours. In India there is a lot of security and the common public is never allowed on “sensitive” locations like these. But, I’m sure it’s a great experience and taking up a tour helps in understanding the functioning of the base better.
This sounds amazing. I have family that was in the air force so I would love to see this! It’s one thing to hear stories and read about it, but to see so much in person would be so nice!
Wait, did i see Captain America symbol?! This is so awesome! Would love a military base tour and see the jets.