There is a long string of barrier islands extending north to south (ish) approximately two hundred miles from the southeastern corner of Virginia and it covers most of the coastline of neighboring North Carolina. Known as the Outer Banks, they are the narrow islands separating the Atlantic Ocean from Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound and are known for their beautiful beaches, pretty nice weather, and historical landmarks.
Especially noteworthy for you aviation history buffs is the Wright brothers‘ first flight took place on December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near the seafront town of Kitty Hawk. Present day, given the proximity of Dare County Bombing Range, it is not uncommon for the beach-goers to look up and see Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles transiting the airspace at low level.
Sun, sand, Strike Eagles, the sound of freedom echoing off the water?? Definitely not a bad way to spend an afternoon, we’d say!
In this video, we are back inside the cockpit of the Mighty Mud Hen, thanks again to our awesome friend “Ditch,” as a four-ship of jets based at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro takes a very lazy afternoon tour of the outer banks on a beautiful, sunny day.
It was the fini-flight of the WSO in the pit of Ditch’s jet, and we think he chose a pretty nice afternoon with some great scenery to enjoy his last ride in a Dark Gray. Anyone else agree?
A Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle from the 4 FW at Seymour Johnson AFB going vertical during an airpower demonstration.