Terrorism: CONR Responds

by Maj. Gen. Larry K. Arnold 1st Air Force Commander
American Defender [Magazine of the First Air Force]
2001 Year in Review Edition
http://www.1staf.tyndall.af.mil/defender/AMD2001.pdf

First Air Force and the Continental United States North American Aerospace Command Region trains daily to meet our nation's requirement for rapid response to any threat to our air sovereignty. On September 11, 2001, while in the midst of a training exercise, our well-practiced rapid response capability may very well have prevented additional surprise attacks on the American homeland saving countless lives. Initially we were surprised, but it didn't affect our response.

Although all of the heroic individual actions that took place that day may never be known, units from across the country spontaneously shifted from peacetime to "wartime footing" to defend America. Fighter aircraft from the 147th Fighter Wing, Ellington Air National Guard Base, Texas, already airborne for a local training mission, provided defensive escort for the President of the United States and Air Force One.

Fighters from the 102nd Fighter Wing, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass., were airborne within six minutes of notification of the hijackings. Combat air patrols were established immediately over numerous population centers and other areas designated as likely targets. Aircraft, crews and support personnel responded immediately to each of those taskings with a sense of urgency, teamwork and professionalism that is the hallmark of the American military.

Immediate coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration ensured the absolute and speedy clearing of all airspace over the continental United States, allowing us to quickly regain the sovereignty of America's skies. Because of the cooperation between 1st Air Force/CONR and the FAA we were able to identify, track and escort suspected hijacked aircraft after the initial attacks.

Coordination with the U.S. Secret Service was no less impressive. The spontaneous teamwork between the Region and the Secret Service proved vital to protecting the President. Additional coordination among the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Investigative Service and other intelligence agencies resulted in real time defense reactions to protect the capital and the President.

Interservice cooperation with other Air Force commands and the U. S. Navy gave us tactical control of numerous Air Force and naval assets needed to secure the borders and waterways of the United States.

First Air Force/CONR's response to the attacks was coordinated with the Secretary of Defense as the rules of engagement were devised and implemented. In short, our reaction time outpaced the process in some instances. That response time was a reflection of the quality training, esprit de corps and creativity of our service members.

Today, we stand well prepared to counter the new domestic air threat.

It is with a sense of solemn pride that on America's darkest day in recent history, I was privileged to serve with the men and women of 1st Air Force and the Continental United States NORAD Region.

No matter how technical our operations become or how our mission expands, our people will remain the most powerful deterrent and most effective weapon against the agents of the dark world of terror. This was proven on September 11, 2001.

Copyright 2001

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