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CONR flights planned for 9-11 anniversary

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  On the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Air Force fighters assigned to the Continental U.S.NORAD Region (CONR) will be visible over the New York City area.

Two F-15s from the 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis ANG Base, Mass., will over fly New York City, and make low approaches on LaGuardia, JFK, Newark and Teterboro airports, as part of the continuing Operation NOBLE EAGLE mission.

According to CONR commander, Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, the air defense deterrence flights are not threat driven, and demonstrate improvements in air security that have taken place since September 11, 2001.

"We've become increasingly visible in our ONE role, due largely to the increased assets we have sitting alert across America today," said General Morrow. "We've more than doubled the amount of fighter aircraft defending the homeland, and that force is representative of a larger, more robust air defense 'system of systems,' including air defense sectors, ground assets, and close coordination the FAA and other federal agencies, local governments and government officials."

"This visibility is part of our ONE mission responsibilities, and sends the clear message that we are fully dedicated to the continued security of North America and, in that role, will remain unpredictable to potential adversaries. We can be anywhere at anytime," said General Morrow.

The sorties are carefully planned and conducted to ensure public safety while displaying NORAD's rapid response capability. CONR, under its parent command NORAD, has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation NOBLE EAGLE - the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Media wanting to cover the events should contact Mr. Mike Strickler, 1st AF Public Affairs, at 850-283-8965, 850-890-2661.