“Congressman Jones was instrumental in bringing the important runway project at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to the subcommittee's attention. He is a strong advocate for the base," said Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio), Chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee. "Even though we are in a period of tight defense budgets, the project represents a significant facility readiness and safety issue and as such is a priority project for the subcommittee.”

 The airfield pavement at Seymour Johnson is necessary to launch F-15E training and operational missions.  Currently, the pavement is more than 40 years old and has sustained age-related cracking and chipping that presents serious hazards to military aircraft.

 “I first learned of the need to improve the base’s runway from the folks at Seymour Johnson,” Jones said.  “I am pleased that we were able to work together to secure funding for needed improvements that are critical to the overall training and combat readiness of our United States Air Force.”

The full Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services are scheduled to consider the bill next week.