Border Security Watch | Photos from NORAD and USNORTHCOM engagements in April 2011.

Mexico is the lead in Mexico

Friday, March 18, 2011 11:55:27 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00) 

Recently, attention has been drawn to elements of U.S. support for Mexico in our common struggle against the transnational criminal organizations that have such a corrosive impact on both of our nations. Without commenting on this directly out of deference to the Government of Mexico, I would merely say that our first and most important principle is always respect for the laws and sovereignty of Mexico. We are eager to work with our partners, but whenever we offer support or consider a request for support, the very first question we ask is whether or not it would infringe in any way on Mexico's sovereignty or rule of law. The answer, quite simply, must be 'no, it does not.’ The simple truth is that Mexico is and always will be in the lead in Mexico, and it is our great privilege to work together with these proud and brave neighbors.
My Best,

Adm. Sandy Winnefeld

TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Spc. Arturo Saucedo, cavalry scout, Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry, surveys the Arizona – Mexico border for suspected illegal activities using a Long Range Scout Surveillance System (LRAS). The ‘Warhorse’ Cavalry Scouts reported their observations to the U.S. Border Patrol agents in the field. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Vincent Borrello

TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - The 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment established a tactical operations center to manage all its support operations. Historically known as the “Warhorse Squadron,” the Fort Bliss-based unit volunteered to execute the Defense Support to Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies mission coordinated by Joint Task Force North, the U.S. Northern Command unit tasked to provide military support to the nation’s federal law enforcement agencies. (Photo by Armando Carrasco)

TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Spc. Derek Armstrong employs a Long Range Scout Surveillance System (LRAS) mounted on High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The LRAS has both day and night surveillance capabilities. The ‘Warhorse’ Cavalry Scouts reported their observations to the U.S. Border Patrol agents in the field. (Photo by Armando Carrasco)

TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Pfc. Tamika Terry, cook, left, serves lunch at containerized kitchen facility to the 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers. The squadron deployed to Arizona with all its support elements and conducted concurrent weapons training, tested logistical capabilities, performed maintenance functions, and practiced their unit emergency-response plans. (Photo by Armando Carrasco)

TUSCON SECTOR, Ariz. - Maj. Darrell Watkins, 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Operations Officer, left, and Capt. Gilbert Redford, Chosin Company commander, coordinate a JTF North mission executed in support of the U.S. Border Patrol – Tucson Sector. During the U.S. Border Patrol – Tucson Sector support mission, the 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers served as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the agents that patrol the Arizona – Sonora, Mexico border area. (Photo by Armando Carrasco)

March, A Busy Month

Friday, April 01, 2011 9:29:53 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00) 

On March 11, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake centered near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, was the catalyst in a series of disasters that included a massive tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear plant crisis. Here at NORAD and USNORTHCOM, our people prepared to help our colleagues at U.S. Pacific Command.  On March 17, the Department of Defense implemented a voluntary authorized departure of DoD dependents living in Japan . . . and Operation Pacific Passage has now transported more than 5,200 military spouses and children, and approximately 235 household pets from the beleaguered island nation back to the United States.


Getting our military family members quickly and safely out of Japan was the responsibility of PACOM, and getting them here was the responsibility of U.S. Transportation Command, but meeting them here and ensuring they had everything they needed to get where they were going fell on our shoulders. Our lead for this operation was U.S. Army North and our Defense Coordinating Officers, who expertly coordinated with multiple military and civilian organizations to meet our families at Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Denver International Airport. I was personally able to witness the extraordinary efforts of a broad spectrum of people for the local Denver community.  My heartfelt thanks goes to all of our superb mission partners, both government and nongovernmental, for their outstanding and tireless support during this short notice operation. The success of Operation Pacific Passage could not have been achieved without them and, make no mistake, our DOD families will not forget your efforts.


This week I also testified before the House Armed Services Committee for the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Budget Requests. I began by telling the committee how impressed I am by the talented people who work at our commands, including the representatives from 68 different civilian organizations who work in and around our headquarters in Colorado Springs. I then shared my thoughts about our missions and focus areas, and described the many challenges and potential threats to North America and how they are pertinent to our missions. I followed with a description of how we plan to capitalize on opportunities to overcome these challenges and threats and ended my official statement with my pledge to the committee, the U.S. Congress and the American and Canadian people, to give each one our best effort in our vital and broad spectrum of missions.


All the best,
Adm. Sandy Winnefeld