Georgia Air Guardsmen Help 'Guard' the Skies
During Shuttle Launches

Mission Control at Cape Canaveral calls for last minute checks on hundreds of procedures as the clock ticks down on the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Among the critical reports is the status of the airspace around the sprawling Cape Canaveral complex. For the Space Shuttle Columbia, the airspace is a "Go for Launch".

For each Shuttle launch, more than 50 Georgia Guardsmen of the 117th Air Control Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard scan the skies in search of unidentified aircraft venturing into the restricted airspace around Cape Canaveral. For the past six shuttle launches these Georgia Air National Guardsmen are on duty to assure that this symbol of America's might occurs without external threat.

The Savannah-based Georgia Air National Guard unit has participated in the last six Shuttle launches by identifying and communicating with unidentified aircraft that stray into the restricted airspace over Cape Canaveral during launch day for America's shuttle missions.

"Fortunately, all aircraft have complied with our instructions," said Mission Crew Commander Major Victor Long, an 18-year Guardsmen who has participated in the last six launches. During a launch sequence that begins days before liftoff, Long and a full control team scan radarscopes pinpointing aircraft entering the restricted airspace.

The Georgia unit is the only Air National Guard unit of its kind assigned to support the launches "Our mission here at the Cape is a direct result of the terrorist attack on America on 9-11," says Lt Col Dick Austin, commander of the 117th. "We're here to help prevent a hostile attack on the Shuttle."

Austin says that soon after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, NASA and Air Force Space Command realized the extra need for security at the Cape and established a no-fly zone during launches and sought to enhance the Cape's airspace defense.

"The main violators of the restricted airspace are private pilots unaware of the restrictions in place at the Cape at the time of a Shuttle launch," states Captain Elizabeth Baker, a veteran of four launches. "For each launch a few pilots fail to check NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) published by the FAA and fly into the restricted airspace," says Baker.

At a suitable location at the sprawling Cape Canaveral complex, the 117th's radar combs the sky detecting straying aircraft long before they become a threat to the launch sequence. "We begin broadcasting warnings early on the day of launch directing pilots away from the TFR (temporary flight restricted area)," says Major Ron Speir, Surveillance Officer. "We have pilots knowingly admit to entering the restricted area in hopes of capturing that once in a lifetime shot of the Shuttle's liftoff," continues Speir who has seen five launches. Major Long recalls one pilot who having initially been redirected from the area again entered the restricted airspace for a photo. During such occurrences, 117th Air Battle Managers have at their disposal airborne fighter aircraft that will intercept uncooperative pilots and escort them away from the area.

"Today's was a picture perfect launch, right on time," says MSgt Pat Sullivan, Electronic Protection Technician and veteran of all six launches. "But I also remember being here for 21days straight after we had planned to be here only a few days just waiting for the launch that had been delayed for weather, for mechanical problems, and for just a planned delay."

NASA officials have plans for four additional Shuttle launches this year and have requested the 117th be in place for each of them. "I know that NASA recognizes the role that we play for each Shuttle launch, and I feel honored that we are the Air National Guard unit that NASA requested to be a part of this exciting event," says Lt Col Austin.