TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Continental U.S. NORAD Region fighters will be busy for Super Bowl XLIII protecting the skies around Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Air National Guard fighter jets from the 159th Fighter Wing in New Orleans may be visible Sunday while enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restriction zone during Sunday's big game.
Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, CONR- NORAD Region commander, explains how CONR provides air defense for the protection of the entire Continental U.S., to include special events such as this year's Super Bowl.
"As America's Air Defenders, we have a total team mindset," Morrow said. "Special events like this world-renowned sporting event take precise coordination with all mission partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, FAA and local law enforcement."
In preparation for the Super Bowl, the FAA will be imposing a Temporary Flight Restriction over the greater Tampa area. Air Force fighters will be on patrol, and Customs and Border Patrol assets will also be airborne during the event. This interagency partnership helps ensure the safety of the skies over the stadium.
"America's AOC will be closely monitoring all air activity while the FAA Temporary Flight Restriction is in place," said Col. David Kriner, 601st AOC commander. "The men and women of this AOC monitor the skies 24/7, 365 for the entire Continental U.S., and Sunday's special event is another part of our mission set."
Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating CONR's rapid response capability.
CONR has conducted air patrols throughout the United States since the beginning of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. CONR flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.
"We want citizens to know that we are always on the job, and defending our homeland from air threats is our number one priority," Morrow said.