PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. –
Air
Force Gen. Lori Robinson assumed command of the North American Aerospace
Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command from Navy Adm. Bill Gortney during a
ceremony here today.
The
change of command ceremony was presided over by the U.S. Secretary of Defense,
Ash Carter, and the Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jonathan H.
Vance. Also in attendance were the Canadian Minister of National Defence, The
Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan; and the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr.
NORAD
is a bi-national command between the U.S. and Canada, while USNORTHCOM is the
U.S. only geographic command for North America.
The two commands have complementary missions and are co-located together
in the headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Carter
praised Gortney for his service, leadership and professionalism, and welcomed
Robinson to her new post.
“As
commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Admiral Bill Gortney has been instrumental
in forging a stronger coordination and deeper connection with both our Mexican
and Canadian neighbors,” Carter said. “Bill, as you transition from this
command, you can take comfort in knowing that NORAD and USNORTHCOM are now in
the hands of another proven strategic leader, warrior and diplomat, General
Lori Robinson.”
The
secretary noted that changes in the world continue to show the need for NORAD
and USNORTHCOM to protect and defend North America.
“As a
strategic thinker and joint force leader, General Robinson has proven her
ability to manage complex operations with partners across theaters and domains;
these abilities will serve our nation well as NORAD and USNORTHCOM continue
their vital contributions in the counter-ISIL campaign and defense of our
homelands.”
Sajjan
remarked on the great partnership between Canada and the U.S.
“NORAD
is certainly a shining example of two countries that can and continue to work
together for mutual benefit,” the Minister said. “May history record, reflect and remember our
unique partnership.”
As the
new commander of two of the most complex commands in the world, Robinson spoke
about the importance of homeland defense.
“The
world is more dangerous, and North America is increasingly vulnerable to a vast
array of evolving threats, threats in every domain we operate in,” she said.
Robinson
also noted the importance of the various mission partners who are key to the
success of the two commands.
“With
linkages in our cultures, our prosperity and our security, the quality and
scope of cooperation between the United States, Canada and Mexico is at an
unprecedented high,” she said. “Undeniably the power and the strength of NORAD
and U.S. Northern Command are derived from its sustained partnerships with
joint, interagency and multinational organizations.”
Prior
to departing from Colorado Springs, Colo., for retirement, Gortney took a
moment to thank his family, the Navy and the local community for their support,
and wished Robinson well in her new assignment. He had special words for his
NORAD and NORTHCOM team.
“To all
the members of NORAD and NORTHCOM, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines Coast
Guardsmen, civilians, shipmates: I wish to thank each and every member of the
NORAD and NORTHCOM team, and I want to really thank their families for the
sacrifices and contributions each of them make.
While we wear the cloth of our nation, it is the families that are the
very stitching that hold that cloth together.”