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‘America’s AOC’ Supports Inauguration

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In addition to the 601st Air and Space Operations Center's continuous mission of monitoring all the air traffic in the Continental United States, the 601st AOC also prepares and executes air plans for National Security Special Events, including this year's Presidential Inauguration.

As America witnessed the inauguration of the nation's 44th president, "America's AOC" and Air Forces Northern were fully engaged, ensuring the safety of the skies over Washington, D.C. In partnership with the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region, and working side by side with numerous organizations including the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Aviation Administration, various Department of Defense agencies, and local law enforcement officials, the AOC developed and executed the Combined Forces Air Component Commander Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow's air defense plan for keeping the airspace over the NCR safe.

As CFACC, General Morrow is responsible for all air and space assets in the Continental United States, establishing operational control, assigning missions, and coordinating an expert staff of professionals from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"With an event like this, where you have an enormous crowd in attendance, it is crucial we remain ready and prepared to detect and prevent any possible air threat that may occur," said Col. David Kriner, 601st AOC commander. "It's a total team effort, and this AOC worked closely with the Secret Service, the FAA, and local governments to ensure all possible coordination was achieved." 

The FAA designates the D.C. Special Flight Rules area (formerly known as the Air Defense Identification Zone and the Flight Restricted Zone) over the district's airspace. The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region helps enforce these restricted flight areas should an unauthorized aircraft enter the airspace.

The air defense plan developed at the AOC involved air patrols by Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Va., and Coast Guard helicopters coordinated with JTF-NCR.

"The AOC plans for NSSEs on a regular basis," said Lt. Col. John Ferry, 601st AOC Strategy Division deputy chief. "It's a part of what we do; we continuously plan for various air threats, NSSEs such as the inauguration, and other Department of Homeland Security designated events."

With these measures in place, America's AOC helped ensure the safety of the record crowd attending the event by keeping the skies safe and secure.

The 601st AOC is responsible for detecting, deterring, defending, and if necessary defeating any aviation threat to the citizens of the United States and to U.S. critical infrastructure.