Western Air Defense Sector News

Dec. 7, 2018
Blue Episode 26: United in Defense

Operation Noble Eagle has become an enduring mission in the years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, protecting the United States and Canada from airborne aggression. The North American Aerospace Defense Command is bi-national, bringing U.S. and Canadian forces together to provide
Aug. 29, 2018
NORAD commander thanks WADS for actions after plane stolen near Seattle

The NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Aug. 23 to personally thank the men and women of the Western Air Defense Sector for their quick actions when a Horizon Bombardier Q400 commercial plane was stolen from SeaTac International Airport Aug. 10.
Aug. 11, 2018
NORAD intercepts stolen aircraft from SEATAC

Federal Aviation Administration reported a stolen Bombardier Q400 aircraft from Horizon Airlines from Seattle-Tacoma airport and requested DoD assistance.
July 26, 2018
WADS organizes large air intercept exercise

Aircrews and associated support personnel from across the military air defense enterprise completed a three-day Aerospace Control Alert CrossTell live-fly training exercise here July 26.
Feb. 13, 2017
WADS keeps airspace secure during Super Bowl LI

While a large portion of the world tuned in Sunday for Super Bowl LI to watch the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons, the Western Air Defense Sector was busy guarding the skies over NGR Stadium in Houston, Texas, as part of NORAD’s Operation Noble Eagle air defense mission.
June 16, 2016
WADS wins First Air Force Command and Control Unit of the Year, three members win individual awards

The Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) has been recognized by Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – First Air Force (CONR-1AF) as the Command and Control Unit of the Year. In addition, three Washington Air National Guardsmen assigned to the WADS have been recognized as