Despite the extended stand-down of its key air defense fighter, the F-15 Eagle, Air Forces Northern conducted 150 fighter sorties over North America in December. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command fighters flew the majority of sorties, and Air Guard and Reserve tankers covered all 50 air refueling sorties for the month. Since 9/11, Operation Noble Eagle aircraft have flown more than 181,000 flying hours. (See Data Points.)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…