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Air Force News Service

01/30/03

Rocket features 9-11 artwork
By 1st Lt. Eric Badger, 45th Space Wing Public Affairs

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- For the first time in 
the 50-year launch history here, nose art appeared on a rocket 
launched from Cape Canaveral on Jan.  29.

The successful launch of the Delta II carrying a Global Positioning 
System satellite and the experimental XSS-10 micro-satellite featured 
a nose-art design with "Let's Roll!" honoring the victims and heroes 
of Sept. 11, 2001. 

Throughout Air Force history, airmen have used aircraft nose art as a 
special way to express patriotism for their country and pride in their 
unit and crew. The "Let's Roll!" nose art was created to pay respect 
to the courage of those who died aboard United Flight 93, as well as 
all victims of the Sept 11 attacks.

"'Let's Roll!' has served as a rallying cry for this nation as we go 
forward in our war on terrorism," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. 
John P. Jumper. "We are proud to display this new nose art on our 
aircraft." 

Todd Beamer, a passenger on Flight 93, made the words, "Let's roll!" 
famous. Beamer, a 32-year old passenger, led other passengers for 
control of the hijacked flight before it crashed into a field in 
western Pennsylvania. 

He was overhead on a cellular phone saying, "Let's roll!"  as 
passengers charged the terrorists. 

"'Let's Roll!' reminds us all that every little thing matters because 
it matters greatly to the warfighters," said Capt. Joy Meade, project 
officer for the Delta II nose art and member of the 1st Space Launch 
Squadron. "We are a total force. Just as we rely on (warfighters), 
they need our support and dedication to be successful against the war 
on terrorism. It is a reminder that we are still in the fight for the 
victims of 9-11 and the warfighters of today. One team, one fight."

The nose art serves not only as a reminder of Sept. 11, but also 
refers to the Global Positioning System's impact to the warfighter, 
according to Meade. 

The system is the key link to directing laser-guided bombs into 
terrorist caves. For the rest of the nation, the GPS satellites serve 
various purposes for the nation such as assistance with gas purchases 
and credit card use. 

The nose art design, depicting an eagle soaring in front of the U.S. 
flag with the words "Spirit of 9-11" on the top and "Let's
Roll!" on 
the bottom, was created by Senior Airman Duane White, from Air Combat 
Command's multimedia center at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

All major commands and wings were authorized to place the nose art on 
one aircraft of their choice. The Delta II was the only space aircraft 
to display the nose art. (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News 
Service)

IMAGES

[Image 1: "Let's Roll" noseart]
http://www.af.mil/photos/images/011221_22.jpg (1MB)

Graphic by Senior Airman Duane White

[Images 2-4: Delta II on launch pad]
https://www.patrick.af.mil/45SW/PA/MEDIA/media_releases
            /image_gallery/composite_1.jpg (1.4MB)
https://www.patrick.af.mil/45SW/PA/MEDIA/media_releases
            /image_gallery/DSC_0007%20copy.JPG (704KB)
https://www.patrick.af.mil/45SW/PA/MEDIA/media_releases
            /image_gallery/DSC_0032%20copy.jpg (331KB)

All photos by Jeff Wolfe, Johnson Controls

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