As you may have heard, I testified on the "state of the commands" March 17 and 18 in Washington, D.C., to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.  While much of the media focused on the issue related to Mexico and the Southwest border violence, I did speak on many other issues relative to the commands’ missions of homeland defense, air defense and civil support.

I was questioned by Senators and Representatives on a number of other issues, including air sovereignty operations, aircraft recapitalization, civil support operations (including hurricane and wildfire response), support to federal law enforcement agencies, and partnerships with Canada and Mexico. I also answered questions from committee members on the drug violence in Mexico, missile defense and the CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force.

In my testimony, I made it clear that homeland defense is the preeminent mission of NORAD and USNORTHCOM and NORAD.  Personnel in our commands remain vigilant in protecting our citizens from threats that exist in the air, space, land, maritime and cyberspace domains. 

As we look to the future, our aim is to secure our environment by deterring and, if necessary, defeating those who threaten our way of life.

Cheers,

Gene