Noble Eagle Remains Vital Operation

March 20, 2008— There’s been no let up in the number of Operation Noble Eagle sorties generated by 1st Air Force/Air Forces Northern, and in fact the Air National Guard-led operation posted 59 more sortie in February than the previous month. Of the 190 fighter sorties, covering the Western and Eastern Air Defense Sectors, ANG and Air Force Reserve Command flew almost three-quarters. And the Air Reserve Components flew all but one of the 30 tanker sorties. Testifying earlier this month on the Fiscal 2009 budget request, NORAD/US Northern Command boss Air Force Gen. Victor Renuart said the ONE mission would remain “critical” for the foreseeable future to monitor the air threat, particularly with the aging-out of the systems monitoring our national airspace. He said it also would continue to have a “key role” in monitoring for low observables and cruise missiles.

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Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

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Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.