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Major General Morrow to command First Air Force
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Maj. Gen. Henry “Hank” Morrow will assume command of First Air Force, Air Forces Northern and the Continental United States NORAD Region during a change of command ceremony here Nov. 1.
Morrow comes to Tyndall from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., where he served as the National Guard Assistant to Adm. Timothy Keating, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command commander. Morrow is a graduate of Clemson University and holds a master's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a command pilot and combat veteran with more than 3,000 hours in the F-111 and F-16.
As commander of First Air Force (AFNORTH) and the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), General Morrow will assume responsibility for the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. He will direct and coordinate the efforts of the Combined Air Operations Center here and its geographically separated defense sectors and fighter wings. First Air Force (AFNORTH) plans, conducts, controls, and coordinates all Air Force forces for the NORAD-NORTHCOM Commander.
CONR encompasses three air defense sectors in direct support of NORAD missions. These regions include the Western Air Defense Sector at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., the Northeast Air Defense Sector at Rome, N.Y.; and the Southeast Air Defense Sector at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., which is also the headquarters for CONR and AFNORTH. CONR provides airspace surveillance and control and directs air sovereignty activities for the continental United States.
AFNORTH is the first command called upon to provide direct support to the U.S. NORTHCOM mission, and has the responsibility of ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States.
Morrow will replace Maj. Gen. M. Scott Mayes, who will retire Nov. 1 after more than 36 years in uniform. Mayes has commanded 1st AF/CONR since October 2004.
Keating and Gen. Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, will officiate at the mid-morning ceremony. Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, Director of the Air National Guard and former 1AF/CONR commander, will also attend.