Photo: Providing security for the homeland

Colorado Air National Guard Major Joe Smith of the 200th Airlift Squadron flies a C-21A Learjet over Western Alaska on Monday as two fully armed 19th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles fly a tight formation off Smith's left wing during an interceptthat kicks off Operation Northern Edge/Alaska Shield. The C-21A was cast in the role of a jetliner approaching Alaska airspace while carrying two passengers on the U.S. "no-fly" list. The Eagles escorted the C-21A to a landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage. Northern Edge/Alaska Shield runs statewide this week and ends Friday.

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