Matthew Borghese - AHN Editor
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The joint U.S.-Canadian effort to protect North America from the Soviet Union celebrates its 50th anniversary in May.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), founded in May 12, 1958, "remains a vital part of the defense of the continent," U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates explained.
Standing alongside Canadian Minister of National Defense Peter Gordon MacKay, Gates helped honor NORAD at its Golden Jubilee Ball at the Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, CO.
"It is, in the final analysis, still one of our first and last defenses of that which we cherish most: our loved ones, our liberties, our countries," Gates said. "To all the men and women who have dedicated their lives to defending this continent, I thank you... As we look back on all that has been accomplished, let us also look forward to new challenges and new triumphs."
Now, as the threat to the United States and Canada changes from a global superpower to international terrorism, so too has NORAD's mission evolved.
"Operation Noble Eagle" has been protecting America's airspace since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. According to the Pentagon, Noble Eagle supplies a ready alert force, air patrols, and surveillance to the United States and Canada. Its pilots have flown 45,000 sorties since the terror attacks.
NORAD also holds a cherished place in Americana. Every year, they track Santa Claus as he circles the globe bringing presents and the command's Colorado bunker has been at the center of fictional movies and television shows like 'Wargames' and 'Stargate SG1.'
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