We have just completed a combined NORAD and USNORTHCOM exercise called ARDENT SENTRY 09 that linked several U.S. and Canadian national exercises with regional, state and local exercise.  ARDENT SENTRY 09, which involved a wide range of participants from DOD, Canadian and U.S. federal, state and local departments and agencies, was conducted in regions across the country including Oregon, Wyoming, Kansas, Iowa and Atlantic and Pacific oceans off the East and West coasts.

ARDENT SENTRY 09 included a complex scenario of manmade disasters, terrorist-caused incidents, and homeland defense mission, and ran from June 18-24.  The scenario provided government, non-government and military organizations the opportunity to practice a coordinated response to these events in accordance with established national response protocols, directives, policies and the National Response Framework.

It was a great chance to train with our Canadian, DOD, federal, interagency, state and local partners as we practiced our respective response plans to these events.  Exercises such as this one allow us to work out the kinks in our plans and response operations, so that we can better respond in the future.  They also highlight areas where we need to focus our attention more.

I am very proud of everyone involved in ARDENT SENTRY 09, many of whom have been planning it since last year.  Your efforts not only demonstrated our current ability to defend and the U.S and Canada, but also testified to the professionalism of the people called to serve their country. 

I thank you all!
Cheers,
Gene