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Tuesday, January 12, 2010 10:14:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
Since Christmas Day, and the unsuccessful terror attempt to blow up a commercial airliner, NORAD scrambled and launched three times for a variety of aircraft disturbances. Many people have wondered and questioned if this is unusual, if NORAD is somehow on a new heightened alert. The answer is absolutely not. Although these events have been highlighted more in the media, these are not unusual events for our commands. In fact, in both 2008 and 2009, NORAD scrambled approximately 200 times each year and we’ve responded more than 3,300 times since 9-11.
When it comes to the decision on whether we scramble fighter aircraft or not, each event is evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the best information we have at the time. Our forces will be in place and ready if we are needed. The simple truth is we lean forward every day...the American and Canadian people deserve it.
Posted in Commanders Statements |