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0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 5, 2008

Exercise tests

NORAD, NorthCom

Terrorist attacks in Washington state and the accidental release of a chemical agent in Oregon are among the scenarios providing the backdrop for a natonwide military exercise that wraps up Thursday.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command exercise began May 1. It's testing the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to multiple incidents.

Other scenarios include a Category 4 hurricane in the mid- Atlantic coastal region, including Washington, D.C., and aerospace events throughout North America.

Other participating agencies: the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Transportation Command and the National Guard. Canada Command is participating through its Staunch Maple exercise.

Gene Pino, NORAD and NorthCom joint training and exercise director, said the drill allows the commands to examine processes and procedures to identify strengths and weaknesses by stressing the system.

NORAD is the binational Canadian and American command responsible for the air defense of North America and maritime warning for Canada and the United States.

NorthCom, established on Oct. 1, 2002, conducts homeland defense and civil support operations in defending against and responding to natural disasters and terrorist attacks.