North American Aerospace Defense Command officials continue to monitor Hurricane Dennis in the event severe weather necessitates the evacuation of the continental U.S. NORAD region air operations center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
As of mid-afternoon today, Hurricane Dennis was moving slowly toward the Gulf Coast of the United States.
"NORAD has contingency plans for every disaster -- manmade or natural," said Michael Perini, NORAD Director of Public Affairs. "In the event of a base evacuation, plans will be executed to ensure air defense operations over the continental U.S. continue without interruption."
The safety and security of North American airspace remains NORAD's prime mission. The command retains a robust air defense posture to maintain air sovereignty over the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada. Since Sept. 11, 2001, NORAD aircraft have flown more than 40,000 sorties in support of Operation Noble Eagle.