NORAD

NORAD&mdash;the acronym for the North American Aerospace Defense Command&mdash;is "a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America," its website states. 

"Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, utilizing mutual support arrangements with other commands. Aerospace control includes ensuring air sovereignty and air defense of the airspace of Canada and the United States." 

The NORAD commander is "appointed by, and is responsible to, both the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada. The commander maintains his headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and a directorate a short distance away at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. The NORAD-U.S. Northern Command Command Center serves as a central collection and coordination facility for a worldwide system of sensors designed to provide the commander and the leadership of Canada and the U.S. with an accurate picture of any aerospace threat. Three subordinate region headquarters at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, Canadian Forces Base, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Tyndall AFB, Florida, receive direction from the commander and control air operations within their respective areas of responsibility." 

Contact Information
250 Vandenberg St. Suite B-016 Peterson Air Force Base, CO 80914-3808 Phone: 719 554-6889 Website: http://www.norad.mil/

Related SourceWatch Resources

 * North American Union
 * September 11, 2001