Army General Tapped to Lead NORAD

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AP) – Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. has been nominated to be the new commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the U.S. Northern Command.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the nomination by President Barack Obama Tuesday.

Jacoby has also been nominated for a fourth star and the rank of general.

He is currently director of strategic plans and policy for the Joint Staff in Washington.

Jacoby would replace Adm. James Winnefeld, who has been nominated to become vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canada command, is responsible for defending the skies over both nations as well as monitoring sea approaches. Northern Command defends the American homeland and works with civil authorities during emergencies.

Both have headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

%d bloggers like this: