The commander of Continental US NORAD, Air Force Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, says that F-15 fighters assigned to support CONR operations could fly if needed. The Air Force has barred all non-mission-critical F-15 flights following a crash last week. In a statement, Morrow said: “We are closely watching the initial investigation of Friday’s incident while we continue in our important air defense role. Protecting North America airways is our first priority and we will remain on alert, on duty.” Should it be necessary, Morrow said he would issue a mandatory scramble order.
The Guardians of the 11th Space Warning Squadron were honored as the top U.S. Space Force unit for 2024 for their role in thwarting Iranian missile barrages last year.