F-16 Fighting Falcon - Alert pad

OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE—An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Minnesota Air National Guards 179th Fighter Squadron Wing stands alert in support of Operation Noble Eagle on Dec. 11. North American Aerospace Defense Command has more than 100 ANG and Air Force Reserve fighters from 26 locations providing homeland defense, with 100 additional fighters backing them up. Additionally, more than 20 ANG and AFRES tankers are airborne every day to keep fighters on station. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Daniel J. Schlies)