NORAD US Northern Command

U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is a governmental organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Employing 298 personnel, USNORTHCOM operates as a unified command responsible for homeland defense efforts within the Department of Defense. USNORTHCOM's primary function is to defend the United States homeland, safeguarding its people, national power, and operational freedom. This involves deterring, detecting, and defeating threats to the nation, conducting security cooperation activities with allies and partners, and supporting civil authorities as needed. Their area of responsibility extends across air, land, and sea approaches encompassing the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and surrounding waters extending up to 500 nautical miles. This also includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and portions of the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A unique aspect of USNORTHCOM is its ability to consolidate existing missions previously handled by various DoD organizations under a single unified command. This provides a crucial element of unity and coordination for efficient mission execution. The command doesn't maintain a standing force but receives assigned forces as required to conduct missions upon orders from the President or Secretary of Defense. USNORTHCOM's headquarters is situated at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Individuals interested in contacting the organization can visit their website at northcom.mil.