TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force is stepping up air patrols in the greater Phoenix area to increase security for Super Bowl XLII.
Air Force fighter jets will fly near University of Phoenix Stadium and downtown Phoenix Friday morning, and make low approaches at local airports including Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Sky Harbor, Goodyear, Deer Valley, and Scottsdale Municipal. They will also be visible Sunday while enforcing the FAA’s temporary flight restriction zone during Super Bowl XLII.
Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, says the patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region.
“As America’s Air Defenders, our priority is to ensure the air sovereignty and safety of all Americans – including the thousands of fans attending the game," Morrow said. "We remain committed to protecting freedom, peace and great American traditions like the Super Bowl.
“NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day. In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the greater Phoenix area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland, our citizens and our institutions.”
Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD’s rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the United States and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command’s response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.
“We want local citizens to know that we will always be there, protecting their freedoms and projecting our determination to preserve peace and our way of life,” Morrow said.