TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Homeland defenders will be able to provide improved protection of the sovereign airspace of continental U.S., the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, as a new, multi-million dollar Air Operations Center will open here June 1 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Dubbed "America's AOC," the new, state-of-the-art, more than $30 million facility will enable 1st Air Force and CONR to better direct strategic air and homeland defense air forces for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command.

The Florida Air National Guard's 601st Air Operations Group will manage the day-to-day operations of the new 37,000 square foot facility. The AOC will also better allow the Air Force to provide rapid defense support to civil authorities in times of crisis and natural disasters.

"We're enhancing an already robust air defense system in our unyielding effort to protect our nation's citizens and resources," said Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, commander of 1st Air Force and CONR. "America's AOC is committed to protecting our freedoms and preserving our way of life."