July 1, 2008 (by 2nd Lt Noelle Caldwell) -
Two F-16CJs assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing flew the 50,000th Operation Noble Eagle sortie on June 30th, 2008.
Aircraft support personnel supporting Operation Noble Eagle stand back as a 20th FW pilot prepares an F-16 for take-off during a training mission marking the 50,000th sortie flown on June 30th, 2008.
This mission, flown in support of ONE, is a significant milestone and serves to demonstrate Air Force capability to monitor the skies to keep the United States safe.
Two pilots from the 20th Fighter Wing flew the 50,000th ONE mission. The ONE missions include enforcing no-fly zones, defending the United States from a hostile act or ill intent, protecting the President and assisting distressed civilian pilots.
"The men and women of Shaw Air Force Base are proud to support Operation Noble Eagle and to help ensure the security of our country. We are always ready anytime, anyplace and anywhere we're called upon," said Col. James Post III, 20th Fighter Wing Commander.
