Gortney Takes Command of Northcom, NORAD

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2014 - Navy Adm. Bill Gortney today became the senior leader of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Gortney, a naval aviator, is the former commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. As the new chief of Northcom and NORAD, he succeeds Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., who is retiring after a 35-year military career.

In ceremonial fashion, Gortney accepted the NORAD flag from Canada's Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson and the Northcom flag from U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work.

"Chuck Jacoby has proved himself as one of our nation's most seasoned and capable leaders," said Work, citing the general's combat leadership in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jacoby was the first Army officer and first non-aviator to lead NORAD and Northcom, according to Work.

'We Have the Watch'

Jacoby's vision of vigilance and security he brought to this command is captured well in his motto: 'We have the watch,'" Work said.

The deputy secretary said NORAD, the country's only bilateral command, is truly one of a kind. Combined with Northcom, Work said the dual command is "a difficult balancing act, protecting the U.S. from external threats as well as dealing with natural disasters and other internal emergencies."

Noting Jacoby's leadership over the quick and effective responses to Hurricane Sandy and regional wildfires, Work praised Northern Command's strong record of accomplishments.

For his service, Jacoby received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal from Work and the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross from Lawson.

A Sacred Mission

After officially assuming command, Gortney also praised Jacoby's leadership. He said commanders should strive to turn over a better command than the one they took over.

"You have done so, Chuck. Our homelands have been in great hands for the past three and a half years," Gortney said. "I hope I will be able to say the same in a few years."

The people who serve NORAD and Northcom are the organizations' lifeblood, the admiral said. And he had a message for them: "We are accountable to our nations and the execution of our duties, 24 by seven."

Gortney added, "Rest assured, we will succeed. We have the watch."