TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region fighters will be protecting the skies during the Democratic National Convention being held in Charlotte, N.C.
Air Force fighter jets will be on alert Sept. 3 – 6 enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone during the convention.
Col. Randy Spear, 601st Air and Space Operations Center commander, explained how the Continental U.S. NORAD Region and the 601st AOC, often referred to as America’s AOC, provide air defense for the protection of the continental United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, to include special events like this year's Democratic National Convention.
"Defending the airspace over the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte is a part of our daily mission of providing air defense for the nation,” Colonel Spear said. "For the convention, CONR and America’s AOC will be enforcing the temporary flight restricted area the FAA has established for the Charlotte area. With the TFR in place, it is imperative the general aviation community check Notices to Airmen before take-off and fly informed!”
In preparation for the Democratic National Convention, the FAA will impose a TFR over Charlotte. Air Force fighters will be on alert during the event. All aviators are advised to check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) as required with a special focus on TFRs.
The 601st AOC is responsible for detecting, deterring, defending and if necessary, defeating any aviation threat to the citizens of the United States and to U.S. critical infrastructure. The AOC is primarily manned by the Florida Air National Guard’s 101st Air and Space Operations Group.
The Continental U.S. NORAD Region 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. For additional information visit facebook.com/AmericasAOC or twitter.com/1stAF.