Air Force Gen. Victor Renuart Jr. accepted command of NORAD and US Northern Command during a ceremony Friday at Peterson AFB, Colo., replacing Adm. Timothy Keating. Keating is to take command of US Pacific Command today. Renuart, who last served as senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, told attendees that the two commands have “quietly and professionally” conducted their missions, working today to “strengthen the shield” against violent extremists.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
