What is NORAD?
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a joint military organization of the United States and Canadian governments that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for the two countries. NORAD is responsible for detecting, validating, and warning of any attacks against North America. This includes attacks from aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles. The organization is also responsible for maritime warnings.
Where is NORAD Located?
NORAD’s main technical facility is in the Cheyenne Mountain Directorate of the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (AFS). The facility is located in Colorado. As a result, NORAD is sometimes known as Cheyenne Mountain. NORAD’s operations center is located inside the granite mountain. The Army Corps of Engineers designed and built the structure.
The United States Air Force administers NORAD’s headquarters facilities in Colorado under the command of the 721st Mission Support Group. The 721st Mission Support Group is part of the 21st Space Wing, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base. NORAD’s forces consist of the Alaskan Region’s Eleventh Air Force, Canadian, and Continental Region.
The Canada East and Canada West Sector Air Operations Control Centers are located in the underground complex at Canadian Forces Base North Bay in Ontario, Canada.
Official Website
NORAD Official Website – The website provides a wealth of information, including news headlines, historical information, Department of Homeland Security Warning Levels, Base information, photographs, and much more.
Tracking Santa Claus
Since 1958, NORAD has been tracking Santa as he travels on a worldwide journey to deliver presents to families. Each year on Christmas Eve, more than 1500 volunteers answer phone calls and emails from children around the world. In addition, children can track Santa’s location via the NORAD Tracks Santa website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
United States Northern Command
The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) was established on October 1, 2002, to provide command and control of Department of Defense (DOD) homeland defense efforts. Also, the Northern Command coordinates defense support of civil authorities.
USNORTHCOM is responsible for protecting America’s homeland, the United States’s citizens, national power, and freedom of action. USNORTHCOM anticipates and conducts Homeland Defense and Civil Support operations within the assigned area of responsibility to defend, protect, and secure the United States and its interests. For more information, visit their website.
USNORTHCOM’s area includes air, land, and sea approaches and encompasses the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the surrounding water out to approximately 500 nautical miles. It also includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and portions of the Caribbean region, including The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The commander of USNORTHCOM is responsible for theater security cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and The Bahamas.
Questions and Comments
If you have any questions about NORAD, please post them below. Also, learn about other military and government agencies.
