WHO: Congressman LoBiondo; N.J. National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Rieth; leadership of the N.J. Air National Guard and 177th Fighter Wing unit members

WHAT: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new aircraft alert facility

WHEN: Tuesday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, Tilton Road, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., 08234

DETAILS: Ceremony will be held to unveil the new state-of-the-art alert complex. Costing nearly $13 million, these alert aircraft shelters and crew quarters will provide cutting-edge infrastructure support to the 177th Fighter Wing's Homeland Defense mission.  With a footprint of more than 33,000 square feet, this complex includes utility support, security and fire suppression systems, emergency generators, communication upgrades, and an aircraft apron expansion.  The busiest fighter unit after 9-11, the 177th was the first to reach 1,000 air patrol missions over the U.S.   Since then, 177th aircraft, pilots and support personnel have been on alert 24/7, ready to scramble, intercept and engage targets that might threaten the Northeastern U.S.

Media wishing to attend this event must call (609) 847-6093 by 3 p.m. on Monday, October 8 and arrive at the main gate at 9:15 a.m. for escort onto the base.