Also known as NORTHCOM, the Northern Command is the newest
unified command under the
United States Department of Defense. Created on
April 17, 2002, NORTHCOM began operations on
October 1, 2002, out of
Peterson AFB in
Colorado Springs, Colorado. It takes over from
United States Space Command and assumes much of the burden previously placed on the
United States Joint Forces Command.
NORTHCOM's area of responsibility is North America, including Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and U.S. territorial waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean. The commander of NORTHCOM is also commander of NORAD.
Units under NORTHCOM include:
NORTHCOM's current responsibilities include
Operation Noble Eagle and
Operation Border Support.