Avenger Arrives at AFNORTH
From the driver’s seat, Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Bates, Air Forces Northern Logistics Directorate, checks the direction as the Avenger Air Defense System is pushed toward its display spot in front of the Killey Center for Homeland Operations Feb. 18. The unit is a mobile, self-propelled surface-to-air missile system that provides short-range air-defense protection for ground units or fixed base assets against such threats as cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and low-flying fixed or rotary-winged aircraft. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Avengers have been deployed to the National Capital Region for Homeland Defense under Operation NOBLE EAGLE, to provide air defense for critical government infrastructure. The system is the final addition to the static displays arrayed in front of the Killey Center for Homeland Operations that include a Civil Air Patrol Cessna; an F-16 Fighting Falcon and an F-15 Eagle.