Sequester hits Seymour Johnson, not Bragg schools

Air Combat Command directed the 4th Fighter Wing this week to stand down the 336th Fighter Squadron, which is known as the World Famous Rocketeers. The stand-down is part of an effort to fly 45,000 fewer training hours through the end of September, officials said.

"The stand-down will have a significant impact on the wing's overall operational readiness and ability to support contingencies around the world," Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, said in a statement. "Combat skills and proficiency are perishable and take time to be regained. Fighter aviation is a highly demanding endeavor and there is no room for error."

The 336th Fighter Squadron is one of two operational F-15E units based at Seymour Johnson, near Goldsboro.

With no allocated flying hours, the air crews will shift their focus to ground training, flight simulators and academic training, in an attempt to maintain basic skills and knowledge of their aircraft.

Meanwhile, Fort Bragg officials said that the potential for furloughs for Department of Defense employees won't affect schools on post for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year.

"(The) delay in implementing a furlough will result in no furlough days for school employees during the remainder of school year," Emily Marsh, superintendent of Fort Bragg Schools, said in a statement. "Schools will remain open and in full operation for the remainder of this school year."

Marsh said she doesn't know how furloughs will affect school in the fall but said administrators are planning for "a full year of academic credit for students."