As a result of the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001 the Wing found itself in a key position . Located between New York and Washington DC , the 119th FS was immediately tasked with providing combat air patrols over cities in its region . In fact three aircraft were scrambled to intercept the aircraft that impacted the pentagon , but were too late . They were then vectored to intercept flight 93 which eventually crashed in Pennsylvania . Although these three pilots did not know it at the time they would have been given authorization to down the airliners once intercepted . Following the attacks , the 119th FS began flying missions for Operation Noble Eagle . On 12 July 2002 the squadron flew its 1000th mission for Operation Nobel Eagle . From that year they also started to contribute in other overseas contingency operations
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
177th Fighter Wing