NORAD is a military alliance responsible for defending the United States and Canada against air attack. NORAD stands for _Nor_th American _A_erospace _D_efense Command. It oversees a large network of radars and other sensing devices that monitor air traffic, such as passenger airplanes. The network can also detect and track enemy bombers and missiles.
NORAD was established in 1957. It has headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The commander of NORAD is traditionally a general in the U.S. military, and the second in command is a Canadian general. NORAD works with many government agencies to ensure that it is prepared to respond quickly to potential threats or attacks. The U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and National Guard support NORAD operations. Fighter aircraft stationed around the United States are ready to intercept suspicious aircraft at a moment’s notice. As a playful service for children during the holiday season, NORAD also tracks the progress of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
