Strike Eagles support Operation Noble Eagle Published July 13, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- While many Airmen and families celebrated Independence Day with a four-day weekend, more than 100 aircrew members, maintainers and airfield operations personnel from the 336th Fighter Squadron and 336th Aircraft Maintenance Unit provided support for Operation Noble Eagle. ONE began after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to support homeland defense from airborne threats, according to Maj. Michael Landers, 336th FS assistant director of operations. "Seymour Johnson Air Force Base supports ONE by providing F-15E Strike Eagles to fly combat air patrols for the president, significant national events such as space shuttle launches, sporting events, inaugurations, or other vital national interests," Landers said. "ONE gives us an opportunity to directly contribute to the security of our nation and our commander in chief." Though aircrews fly in American airspace during ONE missions, it is not their typical day. "It is different from every other day because we fly around the clock if need be," said Staff Sgt. Spencer Balcom, 336th AMU dedicated crew chief. "We aren't just flying training missions to prepare (aircrew) to go downrange. The jets are loaded with live ammunition, just in case we need to attack something." During the holiday weekend the crews did not have to engage their ammunition, but did intercept a small private plane that flew into restricted airspace over the Washington, D.C., area, though it was not a threat. Providing support for missions such as ONE gives Airmen a sense of pride in their work. "Being a part of ONE makes me proud because we are protecting people (and other interests) who a+re important to our government," Balcom said.