CONR supports successful Space Shuttle launch

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery today.

CONR ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restriction area established around Kennedy Space Center. Using F-15 Eagle fighters from the 125th Fighter Wing at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Fla., CONR performed the Operation Noble Eagle mission for the launch and did not have any airspace violations.

CONR also deployed the Joint-Based Expeditionary Connectivity Center team to Cape Canaveral to provide an overarching air picture to the supported entities.

AFNORTH provided the headquarters manning for U.S. Northern Command's JTF-STS, responsible for the search and rescue of the astronauts and recovery of the orbiter if the need arises. AFNORTH also serves as the operational level focal point for situational understanding and crisis response to space shuttle mission contingencies.

"As members of CONR, we are proud to support and protect the skies overhead the shuttle while AFNORTH personnel provide manning for potential search and rescue operations," said Col. Scott Barberides, Joint Task Force-Space Transportation System commander.

The task force provides the command and control of Department of Defense forces during crisis response from the Morrell Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.