PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Lieutenant-General Iain S. Huddleston assumed the position of Deputy Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, from Lieutenant-General Blaise F. Frawley in a transfer of appointment ceremony today at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
The transfer of appointment was presided over by Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command.
The Deputy Commander NORAD is also the Commander of the Canadian Element NORAD, which is comprised of all the Canadians assigned to NORAD across North America. Preceding the transfer of appointment, Canadian Armed Forces’ Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Stephen R. Kelsey, presided over the Canadian Element NORAD change of command, from Lieutenant-General Frawley to Lieutenant-General Huddleston.
Quotes
“It has been a privilege to have the watch alongside Lieutenant-General Frawley. The partnership and reciprocal trust by which we have operated together is testament to 67 years of integrated, bi-national execution of the most paramount of all missions – defense of our homelands. I look forward to working with Lieutenant-General Huddleston whom I know holds the same commitment and resolve to this sacred duty, particularly given his previous achievements as Commander Canadian NORAD Region from 2022 to 2024. I offer a sincere welcome back to NORAD and welcome to NORAD Headquarters.”
- Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander NORAD and USNORTHCOM
“NORAD is far more than a bi-national command; it is a steadfast partnership forged through a rich history of friendship, trust, and a shared mission: the unwavering protection of our homelands at all times. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant-General Frawley for his consummate dedication to this vital responsibility these past two years. Your leadership and commitment as Deputy NORAD Commander have been truly exemplary. I am confident that Lieutenant-General Huddleston will demonstrate the same perseverance and commitment to the mission, exemplifying the leadership and dedication that have long defined NORAD’s enduring partnership.”
- Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff
“I am honoured to assume the role of NORAD Deputy Commander and to become General Guillot’s teammate in leading this storied organization, the longest standing bi-national command in the world. I am joining a distinguished community of Canadian and American military and civilian professionals who serve together in defence of our great nations and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of 27 esteemed predecessors. I am also eager to contribute to a pivotal era of NORAD modernization—an era that will empower us to successfully detect threats, deter adversaries, and defend our continent amidst an ever-evolving technological and global landscape. I extend my sincere gratitude to Lieutenant-General Frawley for a seamless and successful transition of responsibilities. With both humility and pride, I have the watch.”
- Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston, Incoming Deputy Commander NORAD
“It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve as the Deputy Commander of NORAD over the past two years. This role has deepened my appreciation of the critical importance of NORAD’s mission, to safeguard the sovereignty and security of North America through vigilant and continuous aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning. NORAD stands as a pillar of binational cooperation, embodying unwavering dedication, readiness, and unity – qualities I have witnessed daily in its dedicated members, Canadian and American alike. To the NORAD community, your commitment to the mission is both inspiring and unwavering, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to you all. I pass the torch to a very capable leader, whose appreciation for this vital mission is substantial as a former Commander of one of NORAD’s three regions. Lieutenant-General Huddleston, with my profound respect, you have the watch.”
- Lieutenant-General Blaise Frawley, Outgoing Deputy Commander NORAD
Quick Facts
- The Deputy Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command is the highest ranking Canadian officer within NORAD. They act as an advisor to the Commander on matters regarding the management and employment of forces assigned to the command. They extend their experience as a senior officer and provide oversight of the command’s planning process and operations functions.
- NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control, and maritime warning for North America.
- NORAD maintains its headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The command also has three subordinate regional headquarters: the Alaskan NORAD Region located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; the Canadian NORAD Region located at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, Manitoba; and the Continental U.S. NORAD Region located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
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Biography: Lieutenant-General Huddleston
For additional information: n-nc.pa.omb@mail.mil or 719-554-6889