On Mar. 3, Jeanette Epps achieved a historic milestone by becoming Syracuse's first astronaut. Her journey from being born and raised in Syracuse to becoming a graduate of Corcoran High School and LeMoyne College is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the city's spirit of ambition and excellence. Now, she is embarking on a monumental six-month mission in space, representing not just herself but also her hometown and the aspirations of countless individuals who dream of exploring the unknown.
The pride and support for Epps extended beyond her personal circle to encompass the entire community, including the Airmen of the 224th Air Defense Group (ADG). Located just miles from Syracuse, these dedicated professionals played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of Epps and her fellow astronauts during their flawless launch to the International Space Station (ISS).
The 224 ADG responsibilities go beyond typical defense operations; they are tasked with surveillance, command, and control over aircraft, including helicopters and fighters, in support of homeland defense and special national events. The launch of a manned mission to the ISS falls squarely within their purview, requiring meticulous planning, coordination, and readiness to respond to any emergency scenarios.
Capt. John Prorock, serving as the Launch Team Liaison Officer at NASA, exemplified the collaborative effort that went into ensuring the success of this historic launch. Working closely with 1st Air Force, the FAA, NASA, SpaceX, Patrick Space Force Base, rescue forces, and other critical agencies, Prorock's role was instrumental in orchestrating a secure launch site and preparing for contingencies like a launch abort.
In the aftermath of the mission's triumph, Prorock expressed his profound honor in being part of such a significant event. His sentiments echoed the collective pride felt by everyone involved, from the local community in Syracuse to the global space exploration community. "It was an honor to serve on the launch team for such a historic event. This mission constitutes a further step into humanity's destiny among the stars," he said.
Jeanette Epps' journey to space not only signifies personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for future generations, proving that with determination, hard work, and a supportive community, the sky is not the limit — it's just the beginning of humanity's exploration of space. Her story is a reminder that dreams, no matter how big, are within reach, and that the pursuit of knowledge and exploration knows no bounds.
The 224th Air Defense Group is composed of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, 224th Support Squadron, and the 224th Security Forces Squadron located in Rome, and Detachment 1 and Detachment 2 that serve in the Washington, D.C. area. The 224th ADG provides the forces to conduct the Eastern Air Defense Sector’s (EADS) mission. Part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Sector is responsible for the air defense of the eastern U.S.