Congressman Hanna Visits EADS

Rome, N.Y. -- Rep. Richard Hanna (NY-24) got a first-hand look at the Eastern Air Defense Sector's daily operations this afternoon during a two-hour tour of the facility.

Accompanied by Brig. Gen. Anthony P. German, Chief of Staff of the New York Air National Guard, and Col. John Bartholf, Commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Hanna received a briefing on EADS' missions and responsibilities. He also toured the Sector Operations Control Center, which serves as the focal point for the air defense of the eastern U.S.

"Getting an inside look at the crucial work that's done here was very informative," Rep. Hanna said. "Our New York Air National Guardsmen and their Canadian counterparts at EADS play a key role in our nation's air defense and I'm committed to supporting their efforts."

"It was a pleasure to show Congressman Hanna how EADS conducts its around-the-clock air defense mission," said Col. Bartholf. "One of our goals at EADS is to make sure that our elected officials understand what we do and visits like this help us achieve that objective."

The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.