Operation Noble Eagle

Joint NATO & U.S. AWACS service badge for Noble Eagle & Eagle Assist

Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) is the name given to military operations related to homeland security and support to federal, state, and local agencies. The ongoing operation began 14 September 2001, in response to the 11 September terrorist attacks, although it is believed this operation simply earned its name after 14 September 2001, and began much earlier.^[1]

History

Operation Noble Eagle began with the mobilization of thousands of National Guard and Reserve personnel to perform security missions on military installations, airports and other potential targets such as bridges, power plants, and port facilities.These reservists were called to active duty under a mobilization authority known as a Partial Mobilization (10 USC 12302). In time of a national emergency declared by the President, Partial Mobilization authorizes the President to order members of the Ready Reserve to active duty for a period not to exceed 24 consecutive months. Additionally, in 2001 and 2002, thousands of members of the National Guard were activated at the order of their respective governors to provide additional security at airports. They were called up under Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which means they were under state control, but with federal pay and benefits.^[1] The Air Force assisted in providing defense of the northern border of the United States. Active Duty Army Military Police were sent to Washington D.C. to protect the Capitol Building and White House under command and control of the 759th Military Police Battalion.

Requirement

The United States civilian and military leaders are beginning to regard the costly air defense operation above North American cities as a permanent defense requirement demanding significant attention from the combined NORAD Air Force. The current focus is on improving command and control of the homeland air defense mission.^[2]

Equipment

This operation also marks the first combat mission of the F-22 Raptor.^[3] The United States Department of Defense provided F-15 Eagles^[4] and F-16 Fighting Falcons to this operation, and the Canadian Forces provided CF-18s.^[5]

An F-15 Eagle pilot assigned to the 71st Fighter Squadron flies a combat air patrol mission

Canadian NORAD Region

As the Canadian geographical component of NORAD, CANR provides airspace surveillance and control, and directs all air sovereignty activities for the Canadian NORAD Region. CANR and its assigned Air Force assets throughout the country ensure air safety and security against potential air threats and have supported special events such as the G-8 Summit and the visits of foreign dignitaries.^[6]

The Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) flew Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) air defense protection missions in the Windsor, Ontario/Detroit, Michigan area on 5 February 2006, in support of Super Bowl XL at Ford Field. These types of missions had become more common at organized entertainment such as the Super Bowl.^[6]

See also

• Operation Eagle Assist
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Falcon Virgo

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom: Questions and Answers About U.S. Military Personnel, Compensation, and Force Structure". Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. http://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL31334.pdf. Retrieved 21 December 2009. .
2. ^ "AFA – The Years of Noble Eagle". Air Force Association. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080225090341/http://www.afa.org/magazine/june2007/0607eagle.asp. Retrieved 28 June 2008. 
3. ^ "F-22 Raptors Return to Service". F-22 Raptors Return to Service. http://news.yahoo.com/f-22-raptors-return-wednesday-010502041.html. 
4. ^ "F-15E Strike Eagles to fly again in Iraq". CNN. 14 November 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/14/airforce.f-15/index.html. Retrieved 14 November 2007. 
5. ^ "CF-18 Hornet". Government of Canada. http://www.airforce.dnd.ca/site/equip/cf18/default_e.asp. Retrieved 25 June 2008. 
6. ^ ^{a b} "Halifax Live – NORAD To Fly Operation Noble Eagle for Super Bowl XL Security". Halifax Live. 31 January 2006. http://www.halifaxlive.com/content/view/480/2/. Retrieved 25 June 2008.