NORAD welcomes new commander

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — In a ceremonial handover, United States Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot assumed command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (U.S. NORTHCOM) on Monday, Feb. 5.

Gen. Guillot succeeded Gen. Glen VanHerck at the change of command ceremony, held at Peterson Space Force Base. This marked a significant moment for NORAD, the military command responsible for aerospace surveillance and defense of Canada and North America.

Many high-level U.S. and Canadian officials were in attendance including the U.S. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Secretary of Defense, and Canadian Minister of National Defense.

In his inaugural address, Gen. Guillot emphasized the critical importance of the homeland defense mission, pledging a relentless and disciplined approach to safeguarding the citizens of the United States and Canada against all threats.

“We owe the American and Canadian citizens that depend on us a relentless, disciplined approach to defending our homeland,” stated Gen. Guillot.

Gen. Guillot’s ascension to leadership comes with recognition for his predecessor’s accomplishments.

Gen. VanHerck, who assumed command in 2020, was praised for his leadership during historic moments, including the resettlement of Afghan refugees, the distribution of millions of COVID-19 vaccines, and the interception of a Chinese spy balloon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks praised VanHerck’s distinguished military career, highlighting his leadership at various command levels.

“This is all proof that we are better prepared today to deter, detect, and defeat any threats to the homeland, and in no small part, thanks to Gen. Glen VanHerck’s leadership,” said Hicks.

In his final address, Gen. VanHerck cautioned that challenges remain, urging a unified focus on strategic imperatives and threats. He expressed concerns over political divisions and budgetary uncertainties that could undermine homeland defense efforts. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in Gen. Guillot’s ability to lead effectively in the evolving security environment.

Gen. Guillot’s promotion to command was not without its hurdles. He was one of more than 400 military promotions that faced delays last year due to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s protest of a Pentagon abortion policy.

“We recognize the disruption and uncertainty that last year’s unnecessary and unprecedented hold on the promotion of general and flag officers caused you and your families,” said Hicks.

Despite the setback, Gen. Guillot expressed readiness to lead, drawing on his extensive military experience, which includes commanding flying squadrons, operations groups, and major Air Force components.

In his new role, Gen. Guillot says he intends to prioritize enhancing domain awareness, pledging to build on his predecessor’s work, stating, “You can’t defend against what you can’t see,” while also maintaining a relentless approach to homeland defense.

“NORAD and their complementary missions are more imperative today than ever before,” remarked Gen. Guillot.

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