NORAD Plans Air Patrols for Super Bowl

WASHINGTON - Fighter jet crews from North American Aerospace Defense Command's Continental United States Region will be busy Feb. 7 protecting the skies around Sun Life Stadium in Miami during Super Bowl XLIV.

Air Force fighter jets will be airborne while enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restriction zone during the big game.

"As America's air defenders, we have a total team mindset," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry Dean, commander of NORAD's Continental United States Region. "Special events like this world-renowned sporting event take precise coordination with all mission partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FAA and local law enforcement."

In preparation for the Super Bowl, the FAA will impose a temporary flight restriction over the greater Miami area. Air Force fighters will be on patrol, and Customs and Border Protection assets also will fly during the event. This interagency partnership helps to ensure the safety of the skies over the stadium, officials said.

Airmen at the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here will closely monitor all air activity while the FAA temporary flight restriction is in place, said Air Force Col. Randy Spears, the center's commander.

"The men and women of this AOC monitor the skies 24/7 ... for the contiguous United States, and Sunday's special event is another part of our mission set," Spears said.

The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat, officials said.

"We want citizens to know that we are always on the job, and defending our homeland from air threats is our number one priority," Dean said.