March 29, 2003

On This Day in History /
2003: By this date, to support the Global War on Terrorism, the ANG had flown 72% of fighter sorties, 52% of tanker sorties, and 35% of airlift sorties for NOBLE EAGLE (providing Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks). Additionally, the Guard flew 24% of fighter sorties, 21% of tanker sorties, and 6% of airlift sorties for ENDURING FREEDOM (counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan and other countries that began in October 2001).
OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE — An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the California Air National Guard prepares to receive fuel from an Air Force Reserve Command KC-135E Stratotanker during an Operation Noble Eagle combat air patrol over San Francisco’s Golden Gate.