Homeland Defense: Continued Actions Needed to Improve Management of Air Sovereignty Alert Operations

Abstract : In the 11 years since September 11, 2001, the U.S. government has put forth extensive efforts to protect the nation's aviation sector and airspace. These efforts include air sovereignty alert (ASA) operations, for which the Air Force provides personnel and fully fueled, fully armed aircraft sitting on constant alert at 18 sites across the United States. In 2009, GAO found shortcomings in the Department of Defense's (DoD) management of ASA operations, leading to a number of GAO recommendations. For this report, GAO examined the extent to which the following recommendations have been met: (1) the Air Force has implemented GAO's 2009 recommendations, (2) DoD has implemented a risk-based management approach for ASA operations, and (3) the Air Force has accurately identified expenditures for ASA operations. To do so, GAO analyzed relevant strategies, planning documents, guidance, and expenditure data; and interviewed North American Aerospace Defense Command, Air Force, National Guard Bureau, and other DoD officials. Congress may wish to consider requiring the Air Force to fully implement GAO's 2009 recommendations. In addition, GAO recommends that DoD improve its risk management of ASA operations and improve the Air Force's ability to accurately identify ASA expenditures. DoD fully or partially agreed with all of GAO's recommendations.