F-16 Fighting Falconsi assigned to the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, depart the base during Operation NOBLE DEFENDER at Pittufik Space Base, Greenland, Feb. 12, 2025. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is an air defense operation under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command designed to demonstrate the command’s ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies. NORAD routinely conducts sustained, dispersed operations in defense of North America through one or all three NORAD regions, include Alaska, Canada and the continental U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano)
