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 U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.

