F-15E Strike Eagles of the 4th Fighter Wing perform an "Elephant Walk" as they taxi down the runway during a Turkey Shoot training mission on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 16, 2012. The wing generated nearly 70 aircraft to destroy more than 1,000 targets on bombing ranges across the state to commemorate the 4th's victory over the Luftwaffe on April 16, 1945. The aircrews are assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing's 333rd, 334th, 335th, and 336th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Rissmiller/Released)
Air Force Wing Takes Mere Hours to Blast 1,000 Mock Targets -- Danger Room
In World War II, it could take up to 30,000 bombing runs over a period of weeks to destroy a thousand ground targets. On Monday in North Carolina, the U.S. Air Force’s 4th Fighter Wing hit 1,000 targets in a single sweep, using just 70 or so Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles capable of dropping large numbers of small, smart munitions. Estimated time of destruction: a couple hours.
The F-15s’ mass takeoff, depicted above, was itself an impressive feat. The fighters packed the runway and tarmac at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in eastern North Carolina. Wing commander Col. Patrick Doherty took off first, followed by the other aircrews at intervals of just a few seconds.
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Update #1: Strike Eagle Extreme; Nearly 70 F-15Es take to sky -- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Update #2: 4th FW Airmen to launch aircraft to honor WWII history -- US Air Force
My Comment: Talk about a clear demonstration to the world of U.S. air power.