Collaborating with Our Partners on Our Shared Missions

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

This post originally appeared on the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Blog

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint U.S.-Canadian command for aerospace and maritime warning, and the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), which provides homeland defense and defense support, in Colorado Springs.

Like DHS, USNORTHCOM was born after September 11th to increase coordination of international, federal, state, and local resources to respond to threats and disasters. Today, DHS and USNORTHCOM are working together closely to improve that coordination across all levels of government, hand in hand with our law enforcement, private sector, international, state, and local partners.

During my meeting with General Chuck Jacoby, the Commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, we discussed the continued importance of collaboration and information sharing between our organizations.

DHS is partnering with USNORTHCOM across our shared mission areas. For example, in response to major disasters across the country, from Hurricane Irene to the recent wildfires in Texas, USNORTHCOM and FEMA joined forces to share resources and provide coordinated support in the relief efforts. USNORTHCOM also works closely with Customs and Border Protection along our northern and southern borders, leveraging USNORTHCOM’s expertise and resources in support of our efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations.

And in 2010, we partnered with NORAD, the Department of Justice and Canadian officials on preparedness and protection measures around the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, working together to ensure the safety and security of spectators, athletes, and employees.

I’m proud of the partnerships we have built -- and will continue to build -- with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, and our partners across the homeland security enterprise. Together, we will continue to work to secure our country, protect our hometowns, and strengthen our communities.