The men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, paused Nov. 11 to honor the Americans and Canadians who demonstrated true courage and gallantry while serving in uniform.
Known as Veteran's Day for the Americans and Remembrance Day for the Canadians, members of the binational command will reflect on the tradition and legacy of the veterans who fought in battles across the globe to defend the rights and freedoms North Americans cherish. Traditionally, veterans are thought to be those who fought or served overseas. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks there's a growing number of veterans who serve by defending North America from a repeat attack.
"We will win this Global War on Terrorism," said Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart, NORAD Commander in Chief. "The skies are safer now, and we are always looking for ways to make them even safer. Securing the skies to ensure the safety of the American and Canadian public is our top priority."
In this new era of defending the homeland, NORAD is ever vigilant protecting the rights and freedoms Americans and Canadians have become accustomed.
NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that is responsible for the air defense of North America. NORAD has jet fighters on alert throughout North America, supported by air-air refueling tankers, airborne and ground-based radar, surveillance systems and satellites.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, NORAD has scrambled fighters or diverted air patrols more than 1,500 times to respond to possible air threats and have combined with Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, or AWACS, and air-to-air-refueling tankers to fly more than 32,000 sorties. Additionally, the command has improved its radar surveillance and communication capabilities and increased the number of its active defense assets.
Finally, the command has improved its intelligence focus through improved interagency coordination. The command shares information with multiple agencies at all levels of government, including the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central Intelligence Agency, to ensure the best situational awareness, said Mike Perini, NORAD director of public affairs.
"We maintain constant vigilance 24 hours a day. We are reviewing plans and procedures, conducting exercises and are prepared to take additional actions if necessary," Perini said.