Navy Adm. William “Bill” Gortney, head of U.S. Northern and North American Aerospace Defense commands, has identified what he views both organizations’ major homeland defense challenges in testimony to House lawmakers Thursday.
Gortney told the House Armed Services Committee that the Islamic State militant group, other terrorist organizations and transnational organized crime are among the more dangerous threats to the U.S.
“[Homeland security] is a no-fail mission and it’s just as important today as when NORAD and Northcom were established, with one single commander responsible for the defense of our homeland through the many domains of air, space, maritime, land and cyber,” said Gortney.
Gortney added Northcom is coordinating closely with other branches of the armed forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps in an effort to fortify defense missions in the country.
