An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Despite storm strain, Operation Noble Eagle continues unabated

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  As hurricanes and tropical storms continue to affect North America, threatening coastlines and populations, North American Aerospace Defense Command Operation Noble Eagle missions continue at an uninterrupted pace.

"Air Sovereignty Alert conducted under Operation Noble Eagle is our air defense of the homeland and it is a no-fail mission," said Maj. William O'Brien, chief of F-15 Weapons and Tactics for Air Forces Northern.

He said if a Noble Eagle alert site is affected by the potential path of a hurricane, aircraft and associated assets would be safely moved to a predetermined alternate location to ensure mission continuity.

"Continental United States NORAD Region - Air Forces Northern coordinates with the air sovereignty alert site to determine where they should relocate so the region can still provide ASA coverage while the fighters are away from home station," the major said.

Chief Master Sgt. Chris Saylor, AFNORTH Chief of Atmospheric Sensor Systems, said the bottom-line impact of the move to an alternate site would be minimal.

"There are plans in place that have been very well thought out and executed during exercises," the chief said. "You don't want (alert forces) in the path, but you don't want them so far away they can't get to where they're needed. You have to look at all those issues."

Operators and strategic planners constantly communicate and monitor the particular hurricane's path to determine if the assets need to be moved where they'll best meet mission requirements and how to best facilitate the move.

Chief Saylor said the best-case scenario is to move to a base that has the same type of aircraft so logistical issues are kept to a minimum; generally, they try and use other Air National Guard bases.

"It really just depends on what's available," Chief Saylor said. "We try and give the commander as many options as possible."

Operation Noble Eagle was named for the military response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The missions have been ongoing since the attacks, serving to provide surveillance and control of North American airspace. Operation Noble Eagle remains a prime mission focus for the men and women of NORAD.