Skyfest Over JoCo
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, along with the US Veterans Corps and Johnston County Regional Airport, are thrilled to announce that Skyfest Over JoCo is coming to the skies of Johnston County on Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th!
Although COVID-19 restrictions would not allow for Skyfest to be held at Johnston County’s airport, the Triangle East Chamber took the lead to bring the excitement to the residents of the county. In such a challenging year, Mike Mancuso felt it was important to show solidarity and support for both Johnston County’s frontline workers and emergency responders.
F-15s, flown by Ryan “Maddog” Matis and Weapon System Officer, Captain Steven “Rocko” Cripe, will be flying a route that includes sky-time over each Johnston County community. On Saturday, the Bandit Flight Team will fly through the county and perform the Missing Man formation over the center of Clayton. This event will be in honor of Jason Dean, Clayton firefighter who recently passed away due to COVID-19.
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Flight Times
Friday, October 9th
Benson: 12:00
McGee Crossing:12:02:30
Clayton: 12:03
Archer Lodge: 12:04:30
Hare Crossroads: 12:05:30
Kenly: 12:07
Micro: 12:08
Selma: 12:08:30
Smithfield: 12:09
Four Oaks: 12:10
Wilson Mills: 12:11:30
Pine Level: 12:13
Princeton: 12:14
Smithfield: 12:16
Four Oaks: 12:17
Peacocks Crossroad: 12:18
Please know that the times may be up to 30” off.
Saturday, October 10th
Clayton: 12:00
Our Aircrew
Pilot: Ryan “Maddog” Matis is a Captain in the United States Air Force. Currently he is serving as an instructor pilot in the 333rd Fighter Squadron known as the Lancers. Captain Matis has over 7 years of service and 1200 hours of flight time in the F-15E Strike Eagle with over 533.3 combat hours throughout multiple deployments to the Middle East. Captain Matis’s accomplishments include 4 Air Medals for combat related events and is the current Chief of Safety in the 333rd Fighter Squadron.
Weapon System Officer: Captain Steven “Rocko” Cripe is currently serving as an instructor weapon system officer in the 333rd Fighter Squadron known as the Lancers. Captain Cripe has over 8 years of service and has accumulated 1600 hours of flight time in the F-15E Strike Eagle with over 933.3 combat hours throughout multiple deployments to the Middle East. Captain Cripe’s accomplishments include 7 air medals for combat related events and is the current Chief of Mission Planning in the 333rd Fighter Squadron.
