Canadian, US fighters conduct joint training 'ooop North

The North American Aerospace Defence Command - NORAD (who performed so well on 9/11 in defending the nation - you know "Deter - Detect - Defend") conduct regular training with its regional support units/ This enables them to maintain and validate procedures and readiness levels for response in emergency situations. NORAD airborne early warning assets and air-to-air refuelling tankers play important roles in safe-guarding the sovereignty of U.S. and Canadian airspace. (It says here) The commander of NORAD is responsible for land, aerospace and sea defenses of the United States. He commands United States forces that operate within the United States in support of civil authorities.

Canadian and US aircraft supporting NORAD are to conduct joint training in the Canadian North early next week. They will practice conducting joint long-range detection missions in the region of Whitehorse, Yukon. These missions test the ability of NORAD that enable detection and identification of unknown aircraft.

Maj.-Gen. Charlie Bouchard, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD HQ is really excited at the prospect ..." As a bi-national command, we train to ensure the defence of North America” he said when asked.

These war games will involve lengthy preparation (check the fuel, battery, kick the tyres) of Canadian CF-18 Hornets and a CC-130T Hercules air-to-air refuelling tanker, US F-15 Eagles, a KC-135 refuelling tanker (only one) , and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

Let's hope it isn't one of those pesky exercises that got in the fucking way when North America was really under threat. Check, what is VP Cheney doing next week ? If he's in hospital again democracy will be safe for a bit longer.

Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. (pic) became the 20th commander of NORAD Friday, taking over from Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who is scheduled to assume command of U.S. Pacific Command March 26 in Hawaii. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates awarded Keating the Defense Distinguished Service Medal before presiding over the USNORTHCOM change of command at Petersen Air Force Base, Colo. Renuart had been appointed to defence Secretary Gates's staff as a senior military assistant in August -Pic is of 3 war criminals who threaten Homeland Security March 23rd 2003 - 2 down, only one to go.

Canadian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Rick Hillier awarded Keating the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross and said ...

"No two sovereign nations in the world, except for Canada and the United States, have such a unique command structure,.... has enhanced the security of both our countries."

During Keating's tenure, NORAD and USNORTHCOM began the process of integrating into a single command center "to serve two nations better," Hillier said. "We fully support that ... and our shoulder is behind anything that gives us efficacy and efficiency whilst continuing to give us a powerful and positive effect."

Gen. Renuart said....

"We consider our shared and peaceful border a perfect metaphor for the relationship of two distinct yet joined partners," he said, adding that NORAD and USNORTHCOM share an "ever-progressive" and "continually evolving" relationship with Mexico. The collaboration ... with both these nations really does reinforce the security of our homeland,"

Gen. Renuart told the Senate Senate Armed Services Committee on March 9th at his confirmation hearing ...

"If confirmed, I’ll join the men and women of NORAD and NORTHCOM in dedicating ourselves to the defense of the homeland,” he said. “We’ll work closely with our federal and state partners, our interagency partners, the National Guard, and the countries of Canada and Mexico, with whom we maintain a close relationship.”

General Renuart has strong interest and Background in the use of UAV's for strategic reconnaissance"UAV's such as Predator and Global Hawk" he says, "have become such an important tool for our decision makers -- operational battlefield decision makers and strategic decision makers"

So..if you see one over your house...

At the handing over ceremony General Renuart didn't get any medals, judging by the pic he has more than enough already.More than many DPRK general's we have known.