Operation Noble Eagle
| Company type | Military operation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense, Homeland security |
| Founded | September 11, 2001 |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Homeland defense, critical infrastructure protection, air defense operations |
Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) represents a joint military initiative by the United States and Canada aimed at safeguarding the homeland and providing assistance to federal, state, and local authorities. Launched on September 11, 2001, as a direct response to the terrorist attacks on that day, it encompasses continuous defensive operations.
History
The inception of Operation Noble Eagle involved activating thousands of National Guard and reserve forces to protect critical infrastructure such as military bases, airports, bridges, power generation facilities, and ports. These reservists were called up under partial mobilization authority (10 USC 12302), enabling the President to deploy ready reserve members for up to two years during a national crisis. Additionally, during 2001 and 2002, numerous National Guard personnel were mobilized by their respective governors under Title 32 U.S. Code, which allowed them to remain under state jurisdiction while receiving federal compensation and benefits. The Royal Canadian Air Force played a role in securing the northern border of the United States. Specific units including the U.S. Army's 759th Military Police Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard's 144th Military Police Company, and the 177th Military Police Brigade were tasked with protecting vital locations such as the White House, Pentagon, and Capitol. Meanwhile, other Army National Guard elements supported air defense operations conducted by the U.S. Air Force throughout the National Capital Region.
Requirement
By June 2007, both civilian and military leaders in the U.S. acknowledged that maintaining costly air defense missions over North American urban centers had become a permanent necessity. This ongoing commitment requires substantial emphasis from North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), with current efforts focused on improving command and control capabilities for homeland air defense tasks.[1]
Equipment
The United States Department of Defense deployed F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, while Canadian Forces contributed CF-18 Hornet jets. For close-range protection under the control of the USAF Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC) and CONR, the U.S. Army National Guard supplied AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range air defense systems.
The JADOC Suite serves as an integrated connectivity hub for USAF tactical C2, supporting the Joint Task Force/Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JTF/JFACC) during Operation Noble Eagle (ONE). As part of the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS), it was quickly developed following direction from SECDEF to strengthen air defense in the NCR. Its design incorporates an air surveillance fusion system alongside a Link 16 terminal and Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) functionality.
Canadian NORAD Region
Operating as NORAD’s Canadian division, CANR manages airspace monitoring, control, and sovereignty enforcement throughout Canada. Utilizing Royal Canadian Air Force resources nationwide, CANR ensures protection against aerial threats and provides support during significant events such as the G-8 Summit and visits by foreign dignitaries.[2]
On February 5, 2006, CANR executed Operation Noble Eagle air defense activities over Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan in support of Super Bowl XL held at Ford Field, illustrating increased deployment efforts during major public gatherings.[2]