WINNIPEG, MAN. – The Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) is participating in a large NORAD command post training exercise from December 4 to 14. Exercise Vigilant Shield will test NORAD responses to various attacks on North America.
Approximately 175 CANR personnel in Winnipeg, Man., and North Bay, Ont., will take part in the exercise. CANR participation will include Command Post staff in both locations.
“Vigilant Shield is one of a series of exercises that allow the men and women of the Canadian NORAD Region to train in a bi-national, multi-agency setting,” said Major General Charlie Bouchard, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region. “This is one of a continuing series of field training exercises conducted to validate the operational readiness of 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region.”
As the Canadian geographical component of NORAD, CANR provides airspace surveillance and control, and directs all air sovereignty activities for the Canadian NORAD Region. CANR and its assigned Air Force assets throughout the country ensure air safety and security against potential air threats.
NORAD maintains aircraft assets throughout North America in order to support its bi-national mission of providing aerospace defence, warning and control for North America.