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CONR commander visits Canadian Forces

  • Published
  • By Mary McHale
  • CONR Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  As part of a familiarization and outreach effort with their northern military counterparts, Air Forces Northern senior leadership toured Canadian air defense sites Jan. 21-24.

During the trip, Maj. Gen. Henry Morrow, 1st Air Force (AFNORTH) and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region commander, traveled to the 1st Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD region in Winnepeg, Manitoba and the 22nd Wing in North Bay, Ontario. Accompanying him were Brig. Gen. André Viens, CONR deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Allen Usry, AFNORTH's Command Chief Master Sergeant.

According to Maj. Lisa Baspaly, 1st Canadian Air Division Headquarters Chief of Staff executive assistant, the purpose of the trip was to liaise with and further build the relationship between CANR and CONR.

"While here, General Morrow was updated on CANR operations, briefed on CANR participation in NORAD exercises, and met with key members of the staff where they discussed a number of issues that affect the bi-national agreement that CONR and CANR share," she said.

The 1st Canadian Air Division is responsible for providing CANR with combat-ready air forces to meet Canada's commitment to the defense of North America while maintaining sovereignty of North American airspace.

Upon arrival at the 17th Wing in Winnipeg, the senior officers were greeted with a 'General Salute' from a Guard of Honour before proceeding to the series of briefs and updates on CANR activities.

"It was a privilege to have General Morrow conduct an 'Inspection of the Guard' inspection during his visit," said Sgt. Chris Ritchot. "It's not often we have the opportunity to showcase our superb Airmen and Airwomen to an American general officer, and we appreciate the time General Morrow took to review our forces."

In addition to reviewing the troops, General Morrow was briefed on Canadian Region current operations by the Combined Air Operations Center director and had an office call with Major-General Marcel Duval, Canadian Forces Air Component Commander/Commander CANR.

"General Morrow's visit to our headquarters gave him a better understanding of how the Canadian Air Force operates," said General Duval. "Meetings like this allow the different NORAD region personnel to share lessons learned, challenges and best practices in our day-to-day business of detecting, deterring and defending against aerospace threats to North America."

After the 17th Wing, the group traveled to the 22nd Wing at Canadian Forces Base North Bay in Ontario. There, they visited the Canadian Air Defence Sector facility and the 722nd Air Control Squadron, a U.S. Air Force NORAD facility.

"I try to seize every opportunity I can to meet with our Canadian alliance," said General Morrow. "I continue to be so impressed with their professionalism and unwavering dedication to carry out CANR's vital mission - providing aerospace surveillance and warning for the defense of Canada and North America."

CANR is one of three NORAD regions (CONR and Alaska NORAD Region are the other two) and provides continuous worldwide detection, validation and warning of a ballistic missile attack on North America. Since Sept. 11, 2001, CANR has been deeply committed to Operation Noble Eagle, NORAD's ongoing internal air defense mission.

"It was a great experience to get to meet with them and exchange ideas and information," Chief Master Sgt. Usry. "Their dedicated focus on the mission is inspiring. Rest assured - the skies over North America are in good hands."