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177th Alert facility ushers in new era
Photos and story by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
177 Alert Facility

As the oversized scissors came together under the guidance of Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo, 2nd District of New Jersey; Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; Wing Commander Col. Randall S. King and the eyes of the alert forces, the ribbon was cut opening the new state-of-the-art alert complex on Oct. 9.

“The 177th Fighter Wing is responsible for defending America from air threats,” observed Maj. Gen. Rieth.  “This new facility and complex will protect the men, women and aircraft that protect America’s skies.”

The facility it replaces had served the nation well, from intercepting Soviet Bear bombers off the east coast during the Cold War, to escorting aircraft in distress back to safety.

Costing nearly $13 million, the new alert aircraft shelters, capable of housing F-22 Raptors, and crew quarters will provide a cutting-edge infrastructure to the 177th Fighter Wing's Homeland Defense mission. 

This new facility, which will face vastly different challenges in this age of ever-evolving and asymmetrical threats, has a footprint of more than 33,000 square-feet; this complex includes utility support, security and fire suppression systems, emergency generators, communication upgrades and an aircraft apron expansion.

The busiest fighter unit since September 11, the 177th was the first to reach 1,000 air patrol missions over the U.S.  Since then, wing aircraft, pilots and support personnel have been on alert 24/7, ready to scramble, intercept and engage targets that might threaten the Northeastern U.S. and underscoring the alert crew’s motto Semper Vigilo—Always Vigilant.

   

 

 


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Volume 33 Number 5 Staff / Information
     
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