2011 USNORTHCOM Images

NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Air Force Staff Sgt. Jam Baro, crew chief, from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, blue aircraft maintenance unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Air Force Maj. James Geoppinger review all paperwork before a mission during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Air Force Staff Sgt. Jam Baro, crew chief, from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, blue aircraft maintenance unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for a mission during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Air Force Staff Sgt. Jam Baro, crew chief, from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, blue aircraft maintenance unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for a mission during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Soldiers from the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, from Anderson, S.C. provide 24 hour continuous support to radar systems at a sentinel radar site during Vigilant Shield 12 on Fleming Key Annex, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 5. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Senior Airman Horacio Maysonet, 51st Combat Communications Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., perform set up and testing on radio frequency modules at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 5. The RFM consolidates radar feeds extending long distances into one air picture allowing higher headquarters to access and engage incoming threats. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Army Staff Sgt. Tim Hood, the NCOIC of the avenger missile system, from the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, from Anderson, S.C., provide 24 hour continuous support to radar systems at a avenger missile system site during Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 5. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. - Specialist Randal Clark does a function check on an Avenger Air Defense System during Exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Nov.3. The Avenger is a missile system which provides mobile, short-range protection.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Staci Miller)

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U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY, N.Y. - Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, speaks with cadets while guest lecturing for History 302 (History of the Civil War in the West), Oct. 28, at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. Jacoby told the class he taught this course when he served as a instructor in the History Department as a captain.

(U.S. Army photo by Tommy Gilligan)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, speaks at the Combined Federal Campaign kick-off event at NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters Oct. 3. The CFC is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and since its creation the fund-raising organization has raised more than $7 billion in charitable donations.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Air Force Lt. Col. Shannon Johnson, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Protocol officer, speaks with Christy Stettler, Pikes Peak Hospice, at the Combined Federal Campaign kick-off event and charity fair at NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters Oct. 3. The CFC campaign runs until Dec. 15, and NORAD and USNORTHCOM's fund-raising goal is $235,000.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, cuts the USNORTHCOM birthday cake with Army Specialist Thomas Evans, NORAD and USNORTHCOM J6, during the command's birthday celebration Sept. 30. USNORTHCOM was established Oct. 1, 2002, in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AFB, Colo. - Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Winzenried speaks to members of NORAD and USNORTHCOM during his assumption of responsibility ceremony at NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Sept. 15. Winzenried succeeds Chief Master. Sgt. Allen Usry, who retired from the Air Force during the same ceremony after 29 years of service.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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OVER HARRISON COUNTY, Texas - A Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules prepares for a fire retardant run over a wildfire Sept. 12 in Harrison County, Texas. Four MAFFS C-130 aircraft, assigned to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group based at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, provided approximately 12,000 gallons of retardant to two fires in the northeast Texas county.

(Courtesy photo)

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ESTES PARK, Colo. – From left to right: Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class TJ Thomas, Marine Staff Sgt. Daniel Gibbons, Canadian Forces Sgt. Craig Adamson, Canadian Forces Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason McNeil, Canadian Forces Cpl. Danette Weyh, and Gunnery Sgt. Steven Poinsette, members of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Color Guard, march at the opening ceremonies of Tattoo Estes 2011, a highland festival that took place in Estes Park, Colo., Sept. 8 – 11. A traditional joint service Color Guard will normally carry the U.S. flag and all service flags in order of seniority with a guard on both ends. At NORAD and USNORTHCOM, the Color Guard carries a variety of combinations but always carry the U.S. and Canadian flags.

(Canadian Forces photo by LCdr. Desmond James)

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AUSTIN, Texas – A Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 taxis for takeoff Sept. 11 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Two MAFFS aircraft were launched to provide containment support to Harrison County, Texas, where a 250-acre wildfire had closed sections of Interstate 20 and threatened more than 30 structures. After the MAFFS retardant drops, ground crews were able to get a hold on the fire, protecting the threatened structures.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – A U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System II (MAFFS II) unit is loaded on to an Air Force Reserve Command C-130 Sept. 9 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. in preparation for support of aerial firefighting missions in Texas. Four Air Reserve Component MAFFS-equipped C-130s and crews have been tasked by U.S. Northern Command in support of the National Interagency Fire Center to supplement wildland firefighting efforts in Texas. Two C-130s from the 302nd Airlift Wing, stationed at Peterson AFB, Colo. and two C-130s from the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard will deploy to Austin, Texas.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jody L. Ritchie)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Air Force Reserve aerial porters with the 302nd Airlift Wing's 39th Aerial Port Squadron make the final push to load a U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting System II (MAFFS II) unit into a C-130 Sept. 9 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The 302nd Airlift Wing has been tasked by U.S. Northern Command to provide two C-130s, aircrew and support personnel to supplement wildland firefighting efforts in Texas.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jody L. Ritchie)

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AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas sun sets behind a North Carolina Air National Guard C-130 Hercules Sept. 10 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Just hours before, Airmen assigned to units in Colorado and North Carolina arrived at the airport to form the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group, the Air Force's response to a U.S. Forest Service support request to aid in fighting wildfires. The 302nd AEG's mission is to provide aerial firefighting capabilities using the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or "MAFFS" system.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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AUSTIN, Texas – The sun sets beyond the Texas horizon as two C-130 Hercules remain ready for aerial firefighting support Sept. 10 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Just hours before, Airmen assigned to units in Colorado and North Carolina arrived at the airport to form the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group, the Air Force's response to a U.S. Forest Service support request to aid in fighting wildfires. The 302nd AEG's mission is to provide aerial firefighting capabilities using the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or "MAFFS" system.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, speaks to North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM members during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the commands' 9/11 Memorial Sept. 9.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, speaks to North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM members during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the commands' 9/11 Memorial Sept. 9.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, and Don Addy, National Homeland Defense Foundation president, hold a moment of silence at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the commands' 9/11 Memorial Sept. 9.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Mexican Navy Admiral Jorge Carlos Morales, Director of Naval Aviation, Mexico, provides his remarks during a ceremony marking the turnover of three UH-60 Helicopters to the Mexican Navy. The US Government provided thee UH-60 helicopters to the Mexican Navy as part of the Merida Initiative. The ceremony was held on August 24, 2011 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

(Courtesy photo)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Brigadier General Daniel Hokanson, Deputy Director for Strategy, Policy & Plans (J5) USNORTHCOM, presents the keys and the aircraft log book to Rear Admiral Jorge Carlos Morales, Director of Naval Aviation, Mexico, during a ceremony marking the turnover of three UH-60 Helicopters to the Mexican Navy. The US Government provided thee UH-60 helicopters to the Mexican Navy as part of the Merida Initiative. The ceremony was held on August 24, 2011 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

(Courtesy photo)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – U.S. Army Master Sgt. Dale Lee talks with James Skidmore, Deputy J-3, both from Joint Task Force – 51, U.S. Army North, based out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to plan and execute Title X support to Hurricane Irene relief efforts Aug. 27 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., in anticipation of requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is the overall lead for the federal response effort for Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene made landfall Aug. 27 on the eastern coast of the United States and is expected to reach the JB MDL area early Sunday morning.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Samuel Goodman)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – A Sentinel mobile operational command post from Joint Task Force – 51, U.S. Army North, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, arrives at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Aug. 28 in support of Hurricane Irene relief efforts. Hurricane Irene made landfall on the eastern coast of the United States on Aug. 27 and reached the JB MDL area early Sunday morning.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Asha Kin)

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Col. Barrett Holmes (left) meets with Michael Byrne, Glen Sachtleben, and Capt. Chris Colbert, as the four prepared to board a UH-60 helicopter Aug. 28 to conduct an initial damage assessment of North Carolina. Holmes is the defense coordinating officer for U.S. Army North’s Region IV Defense Coordinating Element. Byrne is a federal coordinating officer, and Sachtleben, an operations officer, both with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Colbert is the pilot of the helicopter from the 3rd Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade that conducted the flight mission in support of FEMA, which is the overall lead for the federal response effort for Hurricane Irene.

(U.S. Army Photo by Randy Mitchell)

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Col. Barrett Holmes, along with Michael Byrne, Glen Sachtleben and Capt. Chris Colbert, get a “bird’s-eye” view of a washed out Highway 12 along the North Carolina coastline Aug. 28 as they soar above in a UH-60 helicopter to conduct an initial damage assessment of North Carolina. Holmes is the defense coordinating officer for U.S. Army North’s Region IV Defense Coordinating Element. Byrne is a federal coordinating officer, and Sachtleben, an operations officer, both with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Colbert is the pilot of the helicopter from the 3rd Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade that conducted the flight mission in support of FEMA, which is the overall lead for the federal response effort for Hurricane Irene.

(U.S. Army Photo by Randy Mitchell)

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CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Col. David Wilcox (center), the chief of staff for U.S. Army North’s Contingency Command Post, listens as his staff briefs him Aug. 26 as the team prepares for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Irene to the East Coast of the United States. The members of the contingency command post prepare to deploy forward to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., in anticipation of requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is the overall lead for the federal response effort for Hurricane Irene.

(U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Casey Collier)

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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 176th Maintenance Squadron guide a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter on to a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in preparation to support Hurricane Irene rescue efforts.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Guy Hayes)

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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Garner, pavement and equipment operator from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Works, clean up tree branches that were knocked loose during heavy rains and winds brought from Hurricane Irene at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., Aug. 27.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. Jones)

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Rain from Hurricane Irene is blown across the bow of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during the height of the storm. Enterprise is moored at the shipyard for safety as Irene passes over the area.

(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Croft)

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BETHESDA, Md. - The last remaining inpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are transferred by ambulance to the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda. The transfer time was changed from the original time due to the approaching effects of Hurricane Irene. More than 100 inpatients moved from Walter Reed's wards to Bethesda and the flag was lowered for good at the 102-year-old Army hospital. The changes to military health care facilities in the national capital region was mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005.

(Courtesy photo)

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SALISBURY, Md. - Maryland National Guard soldiers from units across the state, seen here Aug. 28, worked around the clock to provide critical support to civilian law enforcement and firefighting agencies in Salisbury, Md., during Hurricane Irene.

(U.S. Army photo by Maj. Rick Breitenfeldt)

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SANDSTON, Va. - Virginia National Guard soldiers in Sandston prepare for possible duty in response to Hurricane Irene by unloading pallets of cots and Meals Ready to Eat. The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty for possible missions including high water transport and light debris removal.

(Photo by Cotton Puryear)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst airmen load and secure equipment onto aircraft in preparation of Hurricane Irene Aug. 26, 2011. All JB MDL aircraft are being evacuated to Air Force Base's around the country.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dennis Sloan)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst airmen load and secure equipment onto aircraft in preparation of Hurricane Irene Aug. 26, 2011. All JB MDL aircraft are being evacuated to Air Force Base's around the country.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dennis Sloan)

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GROTON, Conn. - Sailors assigned to Naval Submarine Base New London place sandbags along the waterfront in preparation for possible effects from Hurricane Irene.

(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter D. Blair)

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ARLINGTON, Va. - With about 101,000 National Guard members ready to assist eastern seaboard states in the path of Hurricane Irene, the National Guard Command Center in Arlington, Va., seen here Aug. 26, 2011, is monitoring the storm and National Guard support to civilian authorities around-the-clock.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill)

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EASTERN SHORE, Va. - Virginia National Guard soldiers from the West Point-based 237th Engineer Company prepare for possible duty in response to Hurricane Irene in Onancock, Aug. 26, by staging vehicles, equipment and fuel. The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty for possible missions including high water transport and light debris removal.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew H. Owen)

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ONANCOCK, Va. - Virginia National Guard soldiers from the West Point-based 237th Engineer Company prepare for possible duty in response to Hurricane Irene in Onancock, Aug. 26, by staging vehicles, equipment and fuel. The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty for possible missions including high water transport and light debris removal.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew H. Owen)

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PUERTO RICO - Army Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Izquierdo and Army Sgt. Javier Cosme, both with the Puerto Rico National Guard's 190th Engineering Battalion, support the clearing of heavy debris from local roads after tropical storm Irene's passing over Puerto Rico Aug. 21, 2011.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Rivera)

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NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) departs Naval Station Norfolk ahead of Hurricane Irene. Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered all ships in the Hampton Roads area to set Sortie Condition Alpha. Ships in the area are departing early Thursday morning, Aug. 25. Irene's current track indicates it will pass off the North Carolina and Virginia coasts late Saturday as a Category 3 hurricane.

(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Parde)

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NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin and the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas depart Naval Station Norfolk in advance of Hurricane Irene. Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered Sortie Condition Alpha so the ships could avoid storm damage. Irene’s current track indicates it will pass off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts overnight Saturday as a category II hurricane.

(U.S. Navy photo by Eric S. Garst)

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NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departs Naval Station Norfolk in advance of Hurricane Irene. Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered Sortie Condition Alpha so the ships could avoid storm damage. Irene’s current track indicates it will pass off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts overnight Saturday as a category II hurricane.

(U.S. Navy photo by Eric S. Garst)

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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - U.S. Air Force Airmen from Public Works fill sand bags at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., Aug 25, in preparation for Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene is expected to hit the U.S. east coast over the weekend and may bring heavy winds and flooding.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Jones)

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JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - U.S. Air Force Airmen from Public Works fill sand bags at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., Aug 25, in preparation for Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene is expected to hit the U.S. east coast over the weekend and may bring heavy winds and flooding.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Jones)

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SIMMONS ARMY AIR FIELD, N.C. - A helicopter lands on Simmons Army Air Field, Aug. 24. FEMA workers arrived at Simmons Army Air Field, Aug. 23, in preparation for Hurricane Irene. The first group of FEMA staff set up the Incident Staging Base in the corner of the air field prepared to welcome over 40 FEMA truck throughout the night and more arriving Aug. 24. FEMA will work hand in hand with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure Fort Bragg's safety as the hurricane approaches the coastline.

(Photo by Sharilyn Wells)

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SIMMONS ARMY AIR FIELD, N.C. - FEMA workers arrived at Simmons Army Air Field, Aug. 23, in preparation for Hurricane Irene. The first group of FEMA staff set up the Incident Staging Base in the corner of the air field prepared to welcome over 40 FEMA truck throughout the night and more arriving Aug. 24. FEMA will work hand in hand with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure Fort Bragg's safety as the hurricane approaches the coastline.

(Photo by Sharilyn Wells)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., prepare emergency equipment for immediate response to Hurricane Irene at the CRW's Global Reach Deployment Center here Aug. 25. The roughly 600 Airmen of the CRW specialize in creating aerial port and command-and-control facilities in damaged or hostile environments. Previous missions have included humanitarian responses to Haiti, Pakistan and Japan in the aftermath of earthquakes, floods and tsunami in addition to Hurricanes Ike, Rita, Gustav and Katrina.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Edward Gyokeres)

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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., prepare emergency equipment for immediate response to Hurricane Irene at the CRW's Global Reach Deployment Center here Aug. 25. The roughly 600 Airmen of the CRW specialize in creating aerial port and command-and-control facilities in damaged or hostile environments. Previous missions have included humanitarian responses to Haiti, Pakistan and Japan in the aftermath of earthquakes, floods and tsunami in addition to Hurricanes Ike, Rita, Gustav and Katrina.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Edward Gyokeres)

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NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - A Los Angeles-class attack submarine departs Naval Station Norfolk ahead of Hurricane Irene. Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, ordered all ships in the Hampton Roads area to set Sortie Condition Alpha. Ships in the area are departing early Thursday morning, Aug. 25. Irene's current track indicates it will pass off the North Carolina and Virginia coasts late Saturday as a Category 3 hurricane.

(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Todd Schaffer)

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ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE BASE CORAL HARBOUR, The Bahamas - Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine Seaman Patrick Lightfoot works on developing a Social Media page during a two-day information exchange hosted by Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs at the RBDF base in Coral Harbour, The Bahamas July 27-28. The exchange focused on the strategy of using Social Media as a public affairs tool and how to develop the different Social Media platforms.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart)

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ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE BASE CORAL HARBOUR, The Bahamas - Stacey Knott, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs Social Media specialist, discusses a Social Media application with Royal Bahamas Defence Force Ablewoman Marine Monique Deveaux, RBDF Public Relations specialist, while Leading RBDF Mechanic Roberto Adderley, RBDF Information and Technology office, looks on. Knott was part of a team from NORAD and USNORTHCOM that conducted a two-day Social Media information exchange with the RBDF in The Bahamas July 27-28.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart)

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ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE BASE CORAL HARBOUR, The Bahamas - Royal Bahamas Defence Force Petty Officer Maxwell Lloyd, RBDF Public Relations, assists RBDF Leading Woman Marine Karen Bastian, RBDF Information and Technology, with a Social Media application during an information exchange hosted by Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Public Affairs at Coral Harbour, The Bahamas July 27-28. The two-day exchange demonstrated how NORAD and U.S. NORTHCOM currently uses Social Media as a public affairs tool and different ways this platform can streamline public affairs activities.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Kevin Estrem, Christian Anschutz, and Lionel Rivera listen to opening remarks by Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, before receiving the Commander's Community Leader Commendation award at a ceremony at NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters July 29.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, Lionel Rivera, Christian Anschutz and Kevin Estrem pose for a photo during the Commander's Community Leader Commendation Ceremony at NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters July 29.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Space Shuttle Alantis sits on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for its final launch July 8.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Michael Humphreys)

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Space Shuttle Alantis sits on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for its final launch July 8.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Michael Humphreys)

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Space Shuttle Alantis blasts off for the last time from Kennedy Space Center July 8. The launch is the last for NASA's space shuttle program.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Michael Humphreys)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Air Force Master Sgt. Julie Stava, U.S. Northern Command J39 knowledge operations manager, receives the oath of enlistment from her son, Air Force 2nd Lt. Felix Abeyta, in a re-enlistment ceremony in USNORTHCOM headquarters July 7. Stava re-enlisted for the final time after 20 years of service. Her last re-enlistment ceremony is her son's first. Abeyta graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2010 and is currently a spacelift program manager with the 1st Air and Space Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calf. He said having the opportunity to give the oath to his mother was a great honor. "She was the driving force in why I went to the academy, and she was my first salute after I graduated," he said. Upon hearing this, Stava said, "We're even now."

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A view from ground firefighting crews as MAFFS 6 drops fire retardant to aid in the control of the Donaldson fire. When full, the tanks being loaded hold 3,000 gallons of fire retardant. Established by Congress in the early '70s as a wildland fire protection program, MAFFS is a joint program with the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the U.S. Forest Service.

(U.S. Forest Service photo by Jennifer Myslivy)

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A view from ground firefighting crews as MAFFS 6 drops fire retardant to aid in the control of the Donaldson fire. When full, the tanks being loaded hold 3,000 gallons of fire retardant. Established by Congress in the early '70s as a wildland fire protection program, MAFFS is a joint program with the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the U.S. Forest Service.

(U.S. Forest Service photo by Jennifer Myslivy)

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Master Sgt’s. Lamont Wood and Scott Agenbroad from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing based at Peterson AFB, Colo., ready their cargo of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System equipment for transport to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., to assist the wildfire fighting effort across Arizona and New Mexico.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Ingebo)

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Aerial view from the crew of a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft as they return from dropping a load of fire retardant on the Donson wildfire in New Mexico.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Ingebo)

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Aerial view from the crew of a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft as they return from dropping a load of fire retardant on the Donson wildfire in New Mexico.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Ingebo)

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Airmen from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302 Airlift Wing based at Peterson AFB, Colo., follow the lead plane to see where to drop their next load of fire retardant. The fire retardant is colored red to show where drops have already been made.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Ingebo)

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NASSAU, The Bahamas - A resident of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home greets Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, on arrival to the home June 30. The commander visited the home with U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant to present $2,500 worth of clothing, footwear, bedding, games and art supplies to the home on behalf of USNORTHCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.

(Courtesy photo)

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NASSAU, The Bahamas - U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Nicole A. Avant presents the U.S. and Bahamian flags with Navy Adm. James A Winnefeld Jr., NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, to The Hon. Kenneth Russell, The Bahamas Minister of Housing, aboard the USS Vicksburg June 30. The flag presentation served as a symbol of the bilateral friendship between the U.S. and The Bahamas and was part of the celebration observing the 235th Anniversary of Independence of the United States of America.

(Courtesy photo)

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A C-130J from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., is loaded with part of a MAFFS system June 15 after landing at Kirtland AFB, N.M. In support of the National Interagency Fire Center, the unit brought two C-130J aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to help control wildfires in the Southwestern U.S.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Elizabeth Martinez)

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A C-130J from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., taxis to a parking spot June 15 after landing at Kirtland AFB, N.M. In support of the National Interagency Fire Center, the unit brought two C-130J aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to help control wildfires in the Southwestern U.S.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Elizabeth Martinez)

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Lt. Col. Kurt Holden, 115th Airlift Squadron commander, California Air National Guard, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., talked with Albuquerque news media June 15 about his squadron’s deployment to Kirtland AFB, N.M. In support of the National Interagency Fire Center, the unit brought two C-130J aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to help control wildfires in the Southwestern U.S.

(Air Force photo by Elizabeth Martinez)

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U.S. COAST GUARD STATION SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Allen Usry, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Command Senior Enlisted Leader, looks across North Bay, San Diego, with the USS Midway aircraft carrier in the background during a visit to U.S. Coast Guard Station San Diego June 2. The visit was part of the 5th Annual Senior Enlisted Leadership North American Borders Conference, which brought representatives from across Northern Command, Canada Command and the National Guard together to discuss border security, joint and international activities, training and development opportunities and future activities that could affect North America.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Steve Sanchez)

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U.S. COAST GUARD STATION SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Allen Usry, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Command Senior Enlisted Leader, speaks with the Air Forces Northern Command Chief, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Joe Thornell, during a recent visit to U.S. Coast Guard Station San Diego June 2. The visit was part of the 5th Annual Senior Enlisted Leadership North American Borders Conference, which brought representatives from across Northern Command, Canada Command and the National Guard together to discuss border security, joint and international activities, training and development opportunities and future activities that could affect North America.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Steve Sanchez)

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U.S. COAST GUARD STATION SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Allen Usry, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command Command Senior Enlisted Leader, speaks with U.S. 3rd Fleet Command Master Chief Petty Officer Joann Ortloff during a visit to U.S. Coast Guard Station San Diego June 2. The visit was part of the 5th Annual Senior Enlisted Leadership North American Borders Conference, which brought representatives from across Northern Command, Canada Command and the National Guard together to discuss border security, joint and international activities, training and development opportunities and future activities that could affect North America.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Steve Sanchez)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Michael O'Brien, Space Integrated Government Solutions intern, demonstrates the Spacenet Emergency Communications System at the Coalition Warrior Interoperabilty Demonstration in Colorado Springs June 15. CWID is part exercise, part vendor demonstration, where companies offering new technologies can demonstrate their products in a realistic environment. The ECS is a portable communications hub that can be integrated into mobile command vehicles to provide field personnel with access to the Internet, land mobile radios, public telephone networks and secure private networks. The system has been used in Haiti and more recently in the aftermath of the Joplin, Mo., tornadoes.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Army National Guard Sgt. Stephanie Peavy, 244th Army Liaison Team from Chicago, works with a "Life Ring" cell phone being demonstrated at the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration in Colorado Springs June 15. CWID is part exercise, part vendor demonstration, where companies offering new technologies can demonstrate their products in a realistic environment. The Life Ring is a cell phone system that combines a GPS and satellite communications, allowing continuous communication and tracking through a G3 network cell phone regardless of conditions on the ground. This allows first responders in a disaster situation to maintain contact with their organization leadership even if cell towers in the area have been destroyed.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, leads Soldiers assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM in an early-morning "birthday run" to commemorate the 236th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., June 14. More than 200 Soldiers currently serve in NORAD and USNORTHCOM.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Michael Humphreys)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Soldiers assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command participate in an early-morning "birthday run" to commemorate the 236th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., June 14. The run was led by Army. Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, USNORTHCOM deputy commander. More than 200 Soldiers currently serve in NORAD and USNORTHCOM.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Michael Humphreys)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard Scobee, North American Aerospace Defense Command Deputy Director of Operations, gives opening remarks at the 2nd annual NORAD and USNORTHCOM Maritime Stakeholders Conference June 1. The conference brings together military and civilian maritime agencies to discuss security and information sharing. The conference runs through June 3.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Navy Rear Adm. Samuel Cox, National Maritime Intelligence Center director, gives opening remarks at the 2nd annual NORAD and USNORTHCOM Maritime Stakeholders Conference June 1. The conference brings together military and civilian maritime agencies to discuss security and information sharing. The conference runs through June 3.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - Capt. Kenneth Moerscher, a representative on the Joint Task Force Space - Transportation System team from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, monitors a shuttle launch from the Morrell Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Jonathan Gibson)

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - Master Sgt. Jose Torres, a cyber systems manager on the Joint Task Force - Space Transportation System team, works with Maj. Normand Burroughs, team director of communications, to ensure all computer requirements are met prior to and during the shuttle launch mission.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Jonathan Gibson)

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - Maj. Herman Suarez, (left), logistics officer on the Joint Task Force - Space Transportation team, discusses JTF team requirements with Maj. Normand Burroughs, team director of communications prior to the final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24, 2011.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Jonathan Gibson)

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - Maj. Larry Skipper, 601st Air and Space Operations Center configuration manager at Tyndall AFB, Fla., adjusts a Joint-Based Expeditionary Connectivity Center antenna at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., before the final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24, 2011. JBECC provides a comprehensive air picture to the entire launch team.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Jonathan Gibson)

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, visits with participants of the National Level Exercise 2011 at Springfield-Branson National Airport in Springfield, Mo., May 18. Winnefeld spoke with the participants of NLE to ensure that the exercise was a valuable learning experience for possible real world events.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Allen Stokes)

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA - Pvt. 2 Adam Reardon, an Air Defense Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator-Maintainer, prepares to employ a 4th Battalion, 5th Air and Missile Defense Regiment Sentinel radar. The air defense system enhanced the U.S. Border Patrol’s efforts to detect and respond to suspected low flying aircraft used by transnational criminal organizations to transport illicit drugs across the U.S. – Mexico border in Southern Arizona.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco )

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA - Pfc. Michael Yaeklis, an Air Defense Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator-Maintainer, working inside a Sentinel radar air defense control center, conducts preliminary communications during a homeland security support mission executed in support of the U.S. Border Patrol, Tucson Sector.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco )

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA - Pfc. Ronnie Thompson, an Air and Missile Defense Crewmember, conducts a systems check of an Avenger weapon system. The Avenger system was used in conjunction with Sentinel radars to detect aircraft attempting to illegally enter U.S. airspace along the U.S. – Mexico border in Arizona.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco )

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Marine Maj. Gen. Robert Walsh, U.S. Northern Command Operations Directorate director, welcomes members of the USNORTHCOM Standing Joint Force Headquarters to the Operations Directorate during the NC/SJFHQ disestablishment ceremony May 9. The NC/SJFHQ, the organization responsible for deploying the core of an emergency joint task force to contingencies across the country within six hours of mobilization, was folded into the USNORTHCOM Operations Directorate after seven years of operation as a separate directorate.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, gives the oath of enlistment to 12 U.S. Navy enlistees at the Sky Sox - Grizzlies game at Security Services Field May 3. The Admiral was also invited to throw out the first pitch.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, gives the oath of enlistment to 12 U.S. Navy enlistees at the Sky Sox - Grizzlies game at Security Services Field May 3. The Admiral was also invited to throw out the first pitch.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, gives the oath of enlistment to 12 U.S. Navy enlistees at the Sky Sox - Grizzlies game at Security Services Field May 3. The Admiral was also invited to throw out the first pitch.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, gives the oath of enlistment to 12 U.S. Navy enlistees at the Sky Sox - Grizzlies game at Security Services Field May 3. The Admiral was also invited to throw out the first pitch.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, throws out the first pitch at the Sky Sox - Grizzlies game at Security Services Field May 3. The NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander also gave the oath of enlistment to 12 U.S. Navy enlistees. The Sky Sox beat the Grizzlies 13 - 5.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Nick Nickel, U.S. Northern Command Operations Directorate, gives a presentation on Operation Eagle Claw, the disastrous 1980 attempt to free the hostages held in Tehran, Iran, April 28. Nickel was one of the operators assigned to Operation Eagle Claw. Eight servicemembers were killed and two of the mission aircraft destroyed when one of the helicopters assigned to the mission crashed into a C-130. Although a failure, the mission is credited with sparking the Department of Defense to invest in improving joint planning, communications, integration and operations.

(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Phil Smith)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: A C-130 equipped with a U.S.D.A. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System departs here April 17 to fight a wildfire in a neighborhood in Austin April 17. U.S. Northern Command has deployed six C-130 aircraft fitted with MAFFS to support the battle against ongoing wildfires in the area.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: A wildfire burns land near Austin, Texas April 17, 2011. U.S. Northern Command has deployed six C-130 aircraft fitted with the U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to Texas to support the fight against ongoing wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: A lead plane from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service guides a C-130, from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., toward a wildfire west of Austin, Texas, April 17. U.S. Northern Command has deployed six C-130 aircraft equipped with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to support the fight against ongoing wildfires in the area.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: A wildfire burns land near Austin, Texas, April 17, 2011. U.S. Northern Command has deployed six C-130 aircraft fitted with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems to support the fight against ongoing wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: A C-130 from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., equipped with a U.S.D.A. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System flies toward a wildfire west of Austin, Texas, April 17. Six MAFFS C-130s, deployed by US Northern Command to Texas, have conducted several aerial firefighting missions over the Texas fires in the past two days.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shane Sturgeon fills up a C-130 Hercules's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft with fire retardant before it departs here, April 17 to support the fighting against the wildfires in Texas. Sergeant Sturgeon is a maintainer assigned to the 302nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron out of Peterson AFB, Colo.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/released)

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Airmen from California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing prepare a C-130J Hercules for firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 18, 2011. The C-130 is equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System(MAFFS) which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Watkins, 115th Airlift Squadron, California Air National Guard, connects a fuel hose to a C-130J Hercules while preparing the aircraft for firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 18, 2011. The C-130 is equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System(MAFFS) which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Airmen from California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing and Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing gather at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas to prepare for wildfire fighting operations, April 18, 2011. The Airmen maintain and operate the Modular Airborne Firefighting System(MAFFS) housed aboard a C-130 Hercules which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Senior Master Sgt. John Eichenberg, 302nd Airlift Wing loadmaster, secures a Modular Airborne Firefighting System aboard a C-130 in preparation for take-off at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 16. Aircraft and crews from the 302nd AW have been assigned to assist the Mexican government in fighting wildland fires in Northern Mexico using MAFFS loaded onto two C-130 aircraft. The MAFFS, which is owned and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, is a pressurized self-contained firefighting system designed for installation in C-130 aircraft without structural modifications to the aircraft. The system is designed to air-drop fire-retardant chemicals onto wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - A crew chief with the 302nd Airlift Wing locks up a C-130 in preparation for take-off at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 16. Aircraft and crews from the 302nd AW have been assigned to assist the Mexican government in fighting wildland fires in Northern Mexico using a Modular Airborne Firefighting System loaded onto two C-130 aircraft. The MAFFS, which is owned and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, is a pressurized self-contained firefighting system designed for installation in C-130 aircraft without structural modifications to the aircraft. The system is designed to air-drop fire-retardant chemicals onto wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - A crew chief with the 302nd Airlift Wing marshals a C-130 for take-off at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 16. Aircraft and crews from the 302nd AW have been assigned to assist the Mexican government in fighting wildland fires in Northern Mexico.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - A Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing prepares for take-off at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 16. The aircraft is one of two MAFFS-equipped aircraft assigned to assist the Mexican government in fighting wildland fires in Northern Mexico. The MAFFS, which is owned and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, is a pressurized self-contained firefighting system designed for installation in C-130 aircraft without structural modifications to the aircraft. The system is designed to air-drop fire-retardant chemicals onto wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - A crew chief with the 302nd Airlift Wing marshals a Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 in preparation for take-off at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 16. Aircraft and crews from the 302nd AW have been assigned to assist the Mexican government in fighting wildland fires in Northern Mexico. The MAFFS, which is owned and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, is a pressurized self-contained firefighting system designed for installation in C-130 aircraft without structural modifications to the aircraft. The system is designed to air-drop fire-retardant chemicals onto wildfires.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Panel members take questions during the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Conference at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 5. The conference focused on educating military, state and local officials on the roles the different CBRN organizations would play in planning for, resopnding to and recovering from a radiological attack on a U.S. city.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Spc. Arturo Saucedo, cavalry scout, Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry, surveys the Arizona – Mexico border for suspected illegal activities using a Long Range Scout Surveillance System (LRAS). The ‘Warhorse’ Cavalry Scouts reported their observations to the U.S. Border Patrol agents in the field.

(U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Vincent Borrello)

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TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Spc. Derek Armstrong employs a Long Range Scout Surveillance System (LRAS) mounted on High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The LRAS has both day and night surveillance capabilities. The ‘Warhorse’ Cavalry Scouts reported their observations to the U.S. Border Patrol agents in the field.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - The 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment established a tactical operations center to manage all its support operations. Historically known as the “Warhorse Squadron,” the Fort Bliss-based unit volunteered to execute the Defense Support to Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies mission coordinated by Joint Task Force North, the U.S. Northern Command unit tasked to provide military support to the nation’s federal law enforcement agencies.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Maj. Darrell Watkins, 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Operations Officer, left, and Capt. Gilbert Redford, Chosin Company commander, coordinate a JTF North mission executed in support of the U.S. Border Patrol – Tucson Sector. During the U.S. Border Patrol – Tucson Sector support mission, the 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers served as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the agents that patrol the Arizona – Sonora, Mexico border area.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Pfc. Tamika Terry, cook, left, serves lunch at containerized kitchen facility to the 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers. The squadron deployed to Arizona with all its support elements and conducted concurrent weapons training, tested logistical capabilities, performed maintenance functions, and practiced their unit emergency-response plans.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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FORT BLISS, Texas - Federal law enforcement agents and intelligence analysts from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice met with their supporting active duty and reserve component military counterparts during the annual 2011 Joint Task Force North Intelligence Conference, held 8-10 March, at Fort Bliss, Texas. The JTF North conference, co-sponsored by DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, served as a forum for the development and planning of future intelligence initiatives to counter transnational criminal organizations and threats directed against the nation. Using both small and large group information exchange methodologies, the law enforcement agents, intelligence professionals, and supporting military personnel focused on drug trafficking, alien smuggling, aerial and maritime smuggling, terrorism, tunnels, cross-border gangs, weapons smuggling, threat finance, and information sharing and collaboration. JTF North incorporates the lessons learned and intelligence requirements that evolved from the conference into its future intelligence support operations provided to the federal law enforcement agencies.

(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Colo. - More than 140 military dependents prepare to process through the Denver International Airport aerial port of debarkation March 24. DIA, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Wash., and Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are receiving flights of military dependents who voluntarily left Japan as part of Operation Pacific Passage following the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Colo. - Lt. Col. Carrie Acree, Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, holds five-week old Adrian Morant while his mother gets situated at the Denver International Airport aerial port of debarkation March 24. More than 140 military dependents from Japan flew into DIA as part of Operation Pacific Passage, a voluntary departure operation that began after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Colo. - Petty Officer 1st Class Laurie Roods, Navy Operational Support Center Denver, helps Gloria Loveday find her cat, Maggie, after landing at Denver International Airport March 24. Members of all four military branches are working in support of the aerial port of debarkation at DIA as part of Operation Pacific Passage. DIA began receiving military dependents March 24, joining Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Wash., and Travis Air Force Base, Calif. as points of debarkation for military dependents leaving Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Colo. - Army Col. Marc Hutson, Defense Coordination Officer for FEMA Region 8, briefs members of the media about flights coming into Denver International Airport from Japan as part of Operation Pacific Passage. DIA received its first flight of 144 people March 24 as part of the voluntary departure of military dependents from Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country March 11.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - 60th Air Mobility Wing commander Col. James Vechery welcomes Melissa Wilds and her children as they arrive at Travis AFB, Calif. Wilds and her children were part of approximately 240 military family members who returned to the U.S. from Japan following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit the island nation. Wilds' husband is in the U.S. Navy and stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base.

(Photo by Ken Wright)

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TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Staff Sgt. Katie Speer, 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief executive, carries a child off the military chartered flight March 22. Approximately 500 passengers arrived at Travis Air Force Base in support of Operation Pacific Passage. On March 17, the Office of the Secretary of Defense approved voluntary assisted departures to the United States for family members residing in Japan. These flights will continue for the foreseeable future to accommodate the needs of our service member’s families.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Battles)

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TRAVIS AFB, Calif. - Master Sgt. Cory Gatewood, left, welcomes a Navy family to Travis Air Force Base after a flight from Japan. Volunteers from Naval Air Stations Lemoore and Fallon assisted Travis Air Force Base personnel with the arrival of military families voluntarily evacuating Japan.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Olivia Giger)

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Staff Sgt. Jose Grimes, search and rescue duty officer with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., monitors the radar as he coordinates with another agency during a SAR mission. Sergeant Grimes played a critical role in locating a downed aircraft March 7 near the Canadian border in Maine and coordinating bi-national assets to rescue the aircrew member who survived.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Steve Burke)

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ARLINGTON, Va. - Navy Adm. James "Sandy" Winnefeld, commander of U.S. Northern Command, speaks to senior Guard officers and enlisted leaders during the 2011 General Senior Leadership Conference at Arlington Hall in Arlington, Va., Feb. 28, 2011. Winnefeld talked with the adjutant generals about the contingency dual-status commander concept, which would create better cooperation between federal and state assets during a disaster.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer)

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Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal, currently stationed at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, was the first African American woman to fly the U-2 reconnaissance plane.
(Courtesy photo)

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FORT BLISS, Texas - El Paso Intelligence Center Director, Art Doty, right, welcomes the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander, Adm. James Winnefeld, to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s facility located at Fort Bliss, Texas. JTF North, an element of USNORTHCOM, supports the law enforcement agencies that conduct operations at the center. EPIC is a regional intelligence center designed to collect and disseminate information relating to drug, alien, and weapon smuggling in support of field enforcement entities throughout the region. Agencies currently represented at EPIC include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Department of Homeland Security; Customs & Border Protection; Immigration & Customs Enforcement; U.S. Coast Guard; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Marshals Service; National Drug Intelligence Center; Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Department of the Interior; National Geospatial–Intelligence Agency; U.S. Department of Defense; Joint Task Force–North; Joint Interagency Task Force–South; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Air National Guard; and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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FORT BLISS, Texas - NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander, Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., center, and the Joint Task Force North Commanding General, Army Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, right, discuss the task force’s Defense Support to Civilian Law Enforcement Agency support operations during an update briefing March 3. JTF North coordinates military support to law enforcement agencies in order to deter and prevent transnational threats to the homeland. All military support for homeland security is based on support requests and threat assessments.
(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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FORT BLISS, Texas - NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander, Adm. James Winnefeld, left, is given an update briefing by the Joint Task Force North Commanding General, Army Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, during his visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, March 3. Topics of discussion included the task force’s on-going and future homeland security operations executed in support of the nation’s law enforcement agencies at locations throughout the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility.
(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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FORT BLISS, Texas - NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander, Adm. James Winnefeld, left, is escorted by the Joint Task Force North Commanding General, Army Brig. Gen. Michael A. Bills, during his visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, March 3. JTF North is the Department of Defense organization tasked to support the nation’s federal law enforcement agencies in the identification and interdiction of suspected transnational threats within and along the approaches to the continental United States.
(Photo by Armando Carrasco)

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - (Left to right) Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry C. Dean, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force and Air Forces Northern commander; Brig. Gen. Christopher Coates, CONR deputy commander; and Canadian Lt. Gen. Marcel Duval, NORAD deputy commander, listen during the Senior Statesmen Panel Feb. 24. The panel, which featured three retired generals who figured prominently in the shaping of 1st AF, was the highlight of the 1st AF Commander’s Conference held at the Horizons Community Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Angela Pope)

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NORFOLK, Va. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, speaks at the USS New York change of command ceremony Feb. 11. Winnefeld, the event's guest speaker, served with the USS New York's outgoing commander, Navy Cmdr. Curt Jones, aboard the USS Cleveland in the late 1990s. "Bringing a new ship to life is like owning a brand new house," said Winnefeld. "It's exciting and painful all at the same time. And this being a new class makes it all the more interesting."
(Courtesy photo)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Colorado Senator Mark Udall speaks with Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, before the senator's visit to NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters Feb. 12. The senator came to the commands for an update on NORAD and USNORTHCOM operations. Udall is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Bujan)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command commander, escorts members of the Canadian Embassy and consulates to NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters at the beginning of a visit to the commands Feb. 15. The purpose of the visit was to educate the members of the Canadian Consulate Heads of Mission about the missions of NORAD as well as those assumed by USNORTHCOM after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in connection with homeland defense. More than 20 Embassy and consulate staff members received briefings on the NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions and tours of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Center and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Adm. James Winnefeld, NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, provides motivational remarks to students at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Feb. 9, 2011. The commander, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant and Bahamian Minister of State in the Ministry of Labor and Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner, donated sports equipment to the centre. The donation was funded by USNORTHCOM’s Theater Security Cooperation Humanitarian Assistance Program.
(Courtesy photo)

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ST. JEAN SUR RICHLIEU, Quebec – U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clifford Fallico, Air Forces Northern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planner, marches in formation at the Canadian Intermediate Leadership program at the Canadian Forces College, Noncommissioned Member Professional Development Center, St. Jean Sur Richelieu in Quebec Canada.
(Canadian Forces photo by Chief Petty Officer 2 Frank Lauzier)

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ST. JEAN SUR RICHLIEU, Quebec – U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeants Clifford Fallico (second from left), Air Forces Northern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planner, and Robert Carnall, 702nd Computer Support Squadron System Administrator (third from left), stand before Chief Master Sgt. Angela Abshire (right), director of standards at the Noncommissioned Member Professional Development Center, at the graduation ceremony where they both earned the “Comradeship Award” from the Canadian Intermediate Leadership Program, Canadian Forces College, Noncommissioned Member Professional Development Center, St. Jean Sur Richlieu in Quebec, Canada. Only four of 120 students received the peer-voted award.
(Photo by Christian Jaques)

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Adm. James Winnefeld, NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, speaks to students at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys during a visit to the Bahamas Feb. 9. At the conclusion of the event USNORTHCOM donated $3000 worth of sporting goods to the center to encourage the young men to pursue positive recreational activities and a healthy lifestyle. Winnefeld’s visit to Simpson Penn was part of a two-day visit by a USNORTHCOM delegation to discuss ongoing bilateral efforts to improve security in the region.
(Courtesy photo)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper shakes hands with Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, and Canadian Lt.-Gen. Marcel Duval, North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander, at the beginning of a visit to NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Feb. 10. Hickenlooper received a briefing outlining the missions of the commands and a tour of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Center.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maj. Gen. Karl R. Horst, Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region commanding general, provides details of his command's mission and capabilities within the national capital region to National Guard leaders as part of the Contingency Dual Status Commanders' Conference Feb. 1.
(Photo by George Markfelder)

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CAMP BULLIS, Texas – Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Turberville, operations noncommissioned officer, Headquarters Support Company, Army North, fires an M-9 Berretta Pistol Jan. 20 during advanced marksmanship training at the Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in San Antonio.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes)

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CAMP BULLIS, Texas – Sgt. 1st Class Somphot Hongtong, operations noncommissioned officer, Headquarters Support Company, U.S. Army North, explains the position of the aperture site on the M-16A2 Rifle Jan. 20, to Capt. Philip Lee, attorney, Army North, during the company’s advanced marksmanship training at the Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in San Antonio.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes)

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CAMP BULLIS, Texas – Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Turberville, operations noncommissioned officer, Headquarters Support Company, Army North, fires an M-9 Berretta Pistol during advanced marksmanship training Jan. 20 at the Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in San Antonio.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes)

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CAMP BULLIS, Texas – A U.S. Army North Soldier fires an M-9 Berretta Pistol during advanced marksmanship training conducted by Army North’s Headquarters Support Company Jan. 20 at the Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in San Antonio.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes)

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Brig. Gen. Christopher Coates (left), Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region deputy commander, is greeted by John Salvador (second from right), Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters assistant executive director, at CAP’s National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Jan. 26. Coates presented CAP with five Geospatial Information Interoperability Exploitation Portable go kits courtesy of Air Forces Northern to enhance their mission capability and to show gratitude for their support.
(Civil Air Patrol photo by Steve Cox)

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FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Graig Lindsey, head chef for Cowboy Breakfast Foundation, thanks Soldiers for their service and encourages them to get second and third helpings of breakfast tacos during the during the Warrior and Family Support Center’s 2nd Annual Cowboy Breakfast Jan. 27 at the WFSC. The Cowboy Breakfast, with the support of its sponsors, donated 3,000 breakfast tacos for the event as a way to say thank you for the sacrifices of the Soldiers, their Family members and the caregivers.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes)

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