An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 29, 2009

Air Guard fighters to patrol over Super Bowl

By Courtesy Story

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.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Shane Mills, readiness non-commissioned officer for the 246th Transportation Battalion, Michigan National Guard, discusses U.S. Army fleet management documentation processes with vehicle drivers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), April 17, 2025, at the RSLAF Joint Logistics Unit in the Murray Town district of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Michigan-Sierra Leone Partnership Moves Ahead with Multidisciplinary Engagements
By Capt. Andrew Layton, | May 2, 2025
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The partnership between the Michigan National Guard and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) took another step forward April 11-18 with three separate engagements conducted at various...

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 159th Fighter Wing flies alongside a B-52H Stratofortress  during air-to-air integration training, April 29, 2025. The training enhanced interoperability between active-duty and Air National Guard aircrews, reinforcing their ability to operate as a cohesive force in complex airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Matthew Dougherty)
Louisiana Guard, Active Component Airmen Complete Air-to-Air Integration Training
By Senior Airman Seth Watson, | May 2, 2025
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - The 2nd Bomb Wing, assigned to the Air Force Global Strike Command under Eighth Air Force, and the Louisiana National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing demonstrated enhanced interoperability and...

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, visits the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Alaska National Guard, on Fort Greely, Alaska, April 28, 2025. Soldiers of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion operate and secure the ground-based midcourse defense system and are an integral piece of the homeland defense mission to protect the U.S. from intercontinental ballistic missiles using ground-based interceptors.
In Alaska, Nordhaus Sees National Guardsmen Defending the Homeland, Enabling Global Power Projection
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely | May 1, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – From within Alaska’s vast Interior, Alaska National Guardsmen defend the homeland from long-range missile attacks and enable global power projection.Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, the chief of...