NORTHCOM ready to respond

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Devin Fisher
  • Special to American Forces Press Service
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  The progress U.S. Northern Command has made since its inception Oct. 1, 2002, to defend the homeland from natural or manmade disasters is "truly impressive," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here May 31.

Rumsfeld visited NORTHCOM the day before the official start of hurricane season for an update on how the command is postured to support civil authorities in a disaster.

"The kinds of capabilities the Department of Defense is able to bring to problems are unique and distinctive," Secretary Rumsfeld said.

He said that DOD acts only in a support role assisting first responders -- state and local governments, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security -- once they assume lead responsibility.

The secretary was briefed on the NORTHCOM plans in place to respond to a natural or manmade disaster and the command's coordination efforts with other federal, state and local agencies.

He also received an update on some of the plans NORTHCOM is revising following its recent Ardent Sentry '06 exercise to ensure the command is ready when the nation calls, regardless of the circumstances.

In a continued effort to test NORTHCOM readiness, command officials said, Ardent Sentry '06 required simultaneous battling of terrorist attacks on the ground, providing military assistance to civil authorities in the case of the human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 "bird flu" virus, and responding to a Category 3 hurricane striking the already devastated southeastern United States.

Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, NORTHCOM commander, praised President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld on their vision of creating the command following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"America is safer today because of their vision, which led to the creation of United States Northern Command -- a fully functional regional combatant command responsible for the defense of our nation," Admiral Keating said.

As for the upcoming hurricane season, the admiral stressed that NORTHCOM is prepared.

"We are ready to respond when (Secretary Rumsfeld) or the president direct us to participate in the efforts to save lives, reduce human suffering and help restore critical infrastructure," the admiral said.