About NORAD

What is NORAD ?
NORAD is the bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace and maritime defense of the United States and Canada. NORAD, created by a 1958 agreement between Canada and the United States, provides advanced warning of impending missile and air attacks against its member nations, safeguards the air sovereignty of North America, and maintains airborne forces for defense against attack.

NORAD's mission has evolved over the years. The most recent "evolution" in our mission came as a result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. NORAD now coordinates closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA, Canada’s equivalent to America’s FAA, to monitor the airspace within Canada and the United States. In addition, the command also conducts maritime monitoring.

The men and women of NORAD are constantly watching the skies and waterways of the United States and Canada to keep us safe.

NORAD Holiday Messages
2011 Holiday Message from NORAD Commander General Charles H. Jacoby, Jr. and NORAD Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Thomas J. Lawson.

2010 Holiday Message from NORAD Commander Admiral James A. Winnefled, Jr.

2009 Holiday Message from NORAD Commander General Gene Renaurt.

NORAD Area of Operations
NORAD's Area of Operations is broken down into three regions



NORAD Regional Holiday Messages 2011
2011 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Alaskan NORAD Region.

2011 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Canadian NORAD Region.

2011 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Continental U.S. NORAD Region and 601st Air and Space Operations Center.

NORAD Regional Holiday Messages 2010
2010 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Alaskan NORAD Region.

2010 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Canadian NORAD Region.

2010 NORAD Tracks Santa Holiday Message by Continental U.S. NORAD Region and 601st Air and Space Operations Center.