20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Alert mission protects U.S. airspace, interests

By SOF Editor on Tue, 12/08/2009 - 11:13am

20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
Air Force
Military
NORTHCOM

Shaw Air Force Base Airmen supporting the Operation Noble Eagle alert mission provide quick-reaction support to protect U.S. airspace and significant events like presidential movements and space shuttle launches. "We have to be ready if the alarm goes off at 2:30 in the morning," said Master Sgt. William Martin, the alert NCO in charge. "I want everything to be ingrained in (the Airmen) so they can get the mission done." Recently, the alert Airmen were tested by Exercise Fertile Keynote.