About this Unit
The United States Air Force (USAF) component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was established in 1958 as a bi-national organization between the United States and Canada to provide aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for North America. Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, NORAD integrates USAF personnel with those of the Royal Canadian Air Force in a unique command structure. Over the decades, USAF NORAD units have monitored airspace for potential threats, managed responses to airborne incursions, and played a vital role in continental defense during the Cold War and beyond. Today, USAF NORAD continues to adapt to evolving threats, including missile and space-based dangers, ensuring the security of North American airspace.
Historical Facts
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Founding of NORAD: The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was officially established on May 12, 1958, as a joint organization between the United States and Canada to provide aerospace warning and control for North America.
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Cheyenne Mountain Complex: NORAD's most famous command center is buried deep within Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, designed to withstand a 30-megaton nuclear explosion as close as 1.2 miles away.
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Santa Tracker Tradition: Since 1955, NORAD has famously tracked Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a tradition that began after a Sears ad misprinted a phone number, directing children to NORAD’s predecessor’s operations center.
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24/7 Vigilance: NORAD operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, constantly monitoring North American airspace for potential threats, including missile launches and unauthorized aircraft.
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Cold War Origins: NORAD was created at the height of the Cold War in response to the threat of Soviet bombers and missiles, integrating radar and alert systems across North America.
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Binational Command: NORAD is unique in being a fully integrated command between two countries—the United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force—sharing responsibilities, personnel, and command structures.
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Role in 9/11: On September 11, 2001, NORAD was responsible for coordinating the air defense response, including the scrambling of fighter jets to intercept hijacked aircraft.
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Expansion into Maritime Warning: In 2006, NORAD’s mission was expanded beyond aerospace warning and control to include maritime warning, monitoring approaches to North America by sea.
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Modernization Efforts: NORAD is currently undergoing modernization, including upgrades to the North Warning System radar network and exploring new technologies to counter hypersonic and cruise missile threats.
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Symbolic Logo: The NORAD logo features a shield, polar bear, and eagle, representing the joint US-Canada mission to defend North America, with the polar bear symbolizing Canada and the eagle symbolizing the United States.
