Fertile Keynote
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Michael Ragin, mission observer, right, and CAP Capt. Mike Gill, mission pilot, prepare a Cessna airplane to participate in Fertile Keynote, an exercise conducted by Shaw's alert force Nov. 19. Once airborne, the aircraft plays the role of a wayward aircraft so F-16 pilots from Shaw's alert force can practice intercepting the plane. The alert mission at Shaw is part of Operation Noble Eagle, which provides quick-reaction support to protect U.S. airspace and significan events like presidential movements and space shuttle launches. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael Cowley)