Strike Eagle pilot surpasses rare milestone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  A 4th Fighter Wing Airman surpassed a rare milestone during a training sortie here May 18. 

Col. Todd Boyd, deputy commander of the 4th Operations Group, flew his 3,000th hour in a F-15E Strike Eagle. No current pilot in the wing has achieved this milestone. 

The accomplishment quantifies Colonel Boyd's vast experience as a fighter pilot. It sets him apart as a true expert of the Strike Eagle, said Col. Eric Nelson, 4th OG commander. 

"An incredible work ethic, tremendous physical courage and mental toughness combined with a passion for flying fighters are certainly some of Colonel Boyd's attributes that have played a role in this accomplishment," said Colonel Nelson. "He personifies dedication to duty." 

Colonel Boyd has more than 4,000 total flying hours in multiple aircraft. He has logged more than 1,000 hours as an instructor pilot, with nearly 300 of them coming while flying with the Royal Saudi Air Force. Colonel Boyd has also flown nearly 500 hours in operational combat sorties in support of Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 

He is a mission commander, an instructor and a flight examiner qualified in every mission of the multi-role Strike Eagle. 

Achieving 3,000 flying hours makes him one of the most experienced Strike Eagle pilots in the wing and the overall Air Force. To accumulate that much experience, it requires a significant contribution to the Air Force, including multiple deployments, contingency operations and other temporary-duty assignments away from home station, said Maj. James Gresis, 336th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations.