F-15 Strike Eagle planes from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base have been protecting both New York City and Washington, D.C. since the Sept. 11 attacks, but they have not been called to drop bombs on Afghanistan.
That may change when the base officially goes on call Dec. 1. Pilots say the planes can battle other aircraft, but more likely, they will be used to attack ground targets. Troops say they are ready for possible deployment.
"It's the same stimulated patriotism that we all feel right now. This nation has suffered a tragedy and we have a part in rectifying what was wrong," said Col. Dave Edgington, commander of the 4th Fighter Wing.
During the Persian Gulf War, F-15 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base were some of the first planes used in combat.
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