For 79 years, the United States Air Force has delivered on its mission to fly, fight, and win -delivering airpower anytime, anywhere.
At NORAD, Air Force contributions are foundational to defending North America across every echelon: from the strategic leadership guiding our aerospace warning and aerospace control missions, to the operational command and control coordinating across our regions, to the tactical vigilance of Airmen, alert crews, and maintainers standing ready around the clock.
Happy Birthday to the U.S. Air Force.
Your mission strengthens ours. We are proud to have the Watch with you.
@USAirForce
Pilots flying this weekend in the Thurmont, Maryland area - NORAD will be enforcing an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction near you. Confirm the details. Read your NOTAMs. Avoid violations and their consequences.
#WeHaveTheWatch
Heads up, Pilots! Planning a weekend flight around the Thurmont, MD, area? A TFR will be in effect, and will impact flight operations! Make sure to check your NOTAMs before EACH and EVERY flight!
Stay Safe, Fly Informed!
https://t.co/vfb4ifq5Hw
@NORADCommand@flywithaopa
Our Alaskan NORAD Region #ANR F‑16s are out the door to support NORAD Operation ARCTIC VANGUARD 26‑4.2.
Operating under our Nordic Bridge concept, this recurring operation aligns multinational forces across multiple domains to secure and defend North America’s northern approaches. From CF-18s to F-35s, our joint readiness ensures we can operate effectively in the world's most challenging environments.
Working alongside the Canadian NORAD Region and our NATO and Danish partners in austere Arctic conditions, ANR is bolstering the Command’s homeland defense mission across North America’s northern approaches.
#OAV #NORAD #ArcticDefense
#WeHaveTheWatch
From Alaska to the High North, Eielson F-16s are supporting #NORAD Operation ARCTIC VANGUARD 26-4.2, demonstrating agile combat employment and strengthening NORAD’s ability to defend North America’s northern approaches alongside Allies and partners.
A safe space launch begins with a secure sky. NORAD protects the airspace around launch sites using the same radar and tracking systems that defend North American airspace 24/7.
How NORAD secures the launch window:
- Securing the Airspace: Keeping flight restriction zones completely clear of unauthorized traffic.
- Responding to Threats: Patrolling the skies to quickly intercept and redirect off-course aircraft.
- Ensuring Mission Safety: Tracking the skies continuously from pre-launch through orbit insertion.
Mission steady. NORAD ready.
#ICYMI Check out how we supported the Artemis II mission this spring: https://t.co/ohA0y8Iuba
@1stAF
Local community and Front Range military leaders participated in a 9/11 ceremony at Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station today, honoring the lives lost and reaffirming our commitment to defending North America.
Guest speakers included Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan; Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM; Mayor Yemi Mobolade of Colorado Springs, and keynote speaker Gen. (Ret.) Ralph Eberhart, NORAD’s Commander on Sept 11, 2001, who was instrumental in the Command’s response to the attacks, and in shaping its readiness and preparedness for future threats.
All speakers laid wreaths in remembrance and reaffirmed NORAD’s enduring commitment to defend the homelands.
We Remember. We Have the Watch.
https://t.co/Alj0jxK6pp
During her visit to NORAD headquarters this week, we asked General Jennie Carignan, Canadian Armed Forces #CAF Chief of the Defence Staff, to sit down with us and share her reflections on the significance of 9/11 for both our nations and the mission of NORAD to defend our nations.
Here are some of her thoughts.
#NeverForget #September11 #WeHaveTheWatch
@CDS_Canada_CEMD
Thank you, General Jennie Carignan, #CAF Chief of the Defence Staff and CAF Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, for visiting NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs this week, to engage with both CAF and U.S. service members serving within the HQ.
Your visit recognized the shared commitment and daily contributions of both Canadian and American personnel toward the 24/7/365 defense of North America. 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Tomorrow, both will be joining Gen Guillot, CDR of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, and other VIP's at a ceremony commemorating remembering the 25th anniversary of 9/11
#NORAD #WeHaveTheWatch
@CDS_Canada_CEMD@cafcwo_adjucfac@CanadianForces
On the eve of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, NORAD reflects on how that day reshaped defending the homelands. The attacks marked a turning point, shifting NORAD from a principally outward‑focused posture to protecting North American airspace against all threats – both internal and external – 24/7/365.
This long‑form feature shares stories from across the Command and highlights how 9/11 launched NORAD’s Operation NOBLE EAGLE, a mission sustained through fighter patrols, alert sites, and integrated airspace security.
We Remember. #WeHavetheWatch
Steven Armstrong, former Vice Director of NORAD Operations, shares his firsthand experience from inside the Command on 9/11, reflecting on the decisions and vigilance that shaped NORAD’s response that day.
We Remember. We Have the Watch.
Every day, the personnel of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command pass a solemn reminder of Sept. 11, 2001.
Outside the commands’ shared headquarters, the Eberhart-Findley Building, stands a 9/11 Memorial, dedicated in 2010 to remember those who lost their lives that day and honor those who responded and sacrificed in its aftermath. At its heart is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
At the headquarters entrance are the names of two leaders who stood the Watch at NORAD on 9/11: American Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, then-Commander of NORAD, and Canadian then-Maj. Gen. Eric A. Findley, NORAD’s Director of Operations.
Every day, we plan, operate, and execute the mission of defending North America.
And every day, the memorial reminds us of those for whom we serve.
Twenty-five years later, the Watch continues.
#NORAD #NeverForget #911Anniversary
Aviators flying near Morristown/Bedminster, NJ this long weekend: check the NOTAMs before you launch.
NORAD-enforced temporary flight restrictions could affect your route. Keep NORAD fighter aircraft off your flank.
A few minutes spent getting informed can prevent a serious situation in the air.
Know the restrictions. Plan your flights. Fly safely.
#ReadTheNOTAMs #WeHaveTheWatch
Attention Aviators!
Multiple TFRs will be in effect over the Bedminster area this weekend, Sep 4 - 7, and will impact flight operations.
Remember: Check NOTAMs before EACH and EVERY flight!
https://t.co/o9UyPMc4uW
@NORADCommand@flywithaopa
#ExerciseAMALGAMDART brought together integrated forces from across NORAD to respond to simulated threats from the eastern and western approaches to North America and face cruise missile defense scenarios from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec.
Through integrated, realistic training, we remain ready to defend North America against modern air-domain threats.
Read more: https://t.co/ppM48ZrOEu
#WeHaveTheWatch
This #WingWednesday, we’re highlighting the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, based at Joint Base Andrews. As the only federal National Guard unit, the Wing provides a 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert force that is essential to NORAD’s aerospace warning and control mission over the National Capital Region.
Recently, the 113th Wing teamed up with @FirstAirForce, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Civil Air Patrol during a NORAD live‑fly exercise to rehearse airspace intercept procedures under Operation NOBLE EAGLE, showcasing the teamwork and readiness that protect our nation’s capital every day.
The Wing’s Command Post team was recognized as the 2025 CONR NORAD Aerospace Control Alert Unit of the Year and as the Small Installation Command and Control Operations Node of the Year, reflecting the team’s exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to NORAD’s aerospace control mission.
@DCGuard @113WG
Last week, North American Aerospace Defense Command carried out a recurring live‑fly air defense drill in the National Capital Region. The exercise sharpened the command’s ability to respond to scenarios such as airspace restriction violations, hijackings, and unidentified aircraft.
Among the joint and interagency participants, the U.S. Coast Guard plays a key role for NORAD in the integrated defense of the region. Training events like this allow partners to operate together, validate procedures, and maintain readiness to defend North American airspace.
@USCG@1stAF
Across North America’s eastern and western approaches, NORAD fighter aircraft worked with air battle managers, tanker crews and command-and-control organizations to track and intercept simulated long-range aviation threats during #ExerciseAMALGAMDART.
The training included coordination and handoffs between NORAD regions, demonstrating the ability to provide integrated, multidirectional defense of North America.
#WeHaveTheWatch @RCAFOperations@RCAF_ARC@1stAF@ANRALCOM
Homeland defense is strengthened through coordinated operations and information sharing across Combatant Commands. Through mixed‑fighter operations, command and control, air battle management, and supporting capabilities, AMALGAM DART 2026 enhances the layered defense of North America.
#WeHaveTheWatch
Video: Cplc Bélynda Casse, imaging technician, CFB Bagotville.
NORAD CF-18s and F-16s conducted integrated cruise-missile-defense training during #ExerciseAMALGAMDART.
Operating from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, personnel combined mixed-fighter operations, air battle management and binational command and control in realistic scenarios.
Training together ensures NORAD remains ready to detect, track, identify and respond to modern air-domain threats.
#WeHaveTheWatch @RCAFOperations
Denying benefit, imposing cost and communicating credibility are foundational elements of the North American defense approach. Exercises such as ALAMGAM DART 2026 demonstrate NORAD’s capability and resilience to deny adversaries anticipated benefits of an attack on the homeland. NORAD will defend against and decisively defeat attacks on North America.
Pilots! @NORADCommand fighter aircraft intercepted FIVE aircraft violating restricted airspace over Houston, TX, this morning! Remember: Check NOTAMs before each and EVERY flight!
https://t.co/DE48YZr4ac
@flywithaopa