ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE ALASKA - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kevin Swiadek, senior director technician, 176th Air Control Squadron, observes aircraft in the Alaska air space. The 176th Air Control Squadron is part of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region whose mission is to protect Alaska air sovereignty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)