Killey Center

Artist rendering of the Killey Center for Homeland Operations

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Air Force Generals to be honored at ribbon cutting ceremony

Published March 9, 2009

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Two retired Air Force general officers will be honored by Continental U.S. NORAD - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) Friday with a memorialization and dedication ceremony for the Killey Center for Homeland Operations and its approach road, L.K. Arnold Way.

The ceremony will honor the legacy-laden contributions of Maj. Gen. Philip Killey and Maj. Gen. Larry Arnold, whose efforts as CONR-1AF commanders empowered the organization to achieve its current status - promoting and enforcing air sovereignty for homeland defense on a daily basis. Both will attend the 1 p.m. ceremony.

General Killey was the first Air National Guard general officer to lead an Air Combat Command Numbered Air Force in a federal mission - defending the United States from air attack -- and drew upon all the military services for participation to include Alliance partners in Canada. The 'Total Force' concept General Killey forged and its impact on successful homeland defense operations still exists today.

In fact, many airpower proponents, to include General Arnold, credit General Killey for his determination to keep the air sovereignty mission viable during his four-year tenure from 1994-1998. Following the end of the Cold War, there was a perception of diminished significance of the Guard's air defense mission. Along with North American Aerospace Defense commander, Gen. Howell Estes III, General Killey constantly sought support to keep the air defense mission a reality.

General Arnold, the second general officer to lead an ACC numbered Air Force in a federal mission, was the CONR-1AF commander during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Prior to that date, there were approximately 1,000 people in CONR. Following the attacks, the ranks swelled to more than 10,000 and the number of aircraft increased from 14 to more than 300 in response to the threat.

In the book, "Air War Over America," by Leslie Filson, General Arnold recalled that fateful period of his career.

"In the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, we were able to provide command and control of air power over the entire continental United States. In 18 hours, we surged from 14 aircraft on alert at seven locations to more than 400 fighter, tanker and Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft on orbit and on alert at more than 60 locations. This was a remarkable job, performed by remarkable people at a remarkable time in our nation's history."

The event will also feature a number of other distinguished guests to include Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau; Congressman Allan Boyd Jr., Second Congressional District, and Gen. (Ret) Ralph "Ed" Eberhart, former NORAD commander and NORTHCOM's first commander.

Groundbreaking for the complex, which boasts a combination of state-of-the-art technology and security, happened in 2006. Its computer system uses blade computer technology which allows a centralized unit instead of personal computers at every station, which contributes to its space-saving nature. Additionally, energy saving features include lights that dim automatically when no motion is detected over a period of time.

Ultimately, the complex will house 370 people and consolidate the organization's functions for more efficient operations. Previously, the functions were spread in more than 10 separate units throughout the base. There are also nine conference rooms of varying sizes to accommodate anything from a large group to smaller teams.

Following the ceremony, guests can see the features first hand on self-guided tours. One display is a variety of mementos from General Killey's career, which includes his flight gear and a plaque commemorating 100 combat missions over North Vietnam as part of the 555th "Triple Nickel" Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Media interested in attending the event should contact the AFNORTH Public Affairs office at (850) 283-8080 for details.