Two NORAD F-15C aircraft from the ’s 104th Fighter Wing and Continental U.S. NORAD Region fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, February 29, 2024. NORAD units executed maneuvers designed to defend the eastern approach of North America from simulated cruise missile threats in this particular operation. CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region, F-15C and KC-135 aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, and B-1’s from U.S. Strategic Command all participated in the operation. NORAD conducts sustained and dispersed operations under OND to validate the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe M. Wockenfuss)