Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Admiral James Winnefeld, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), are traveling today to Arizona's southern border. 

 

Senator McCain invited Admiral Winnefeld to visit the Arizona-Mexico border so the Admiral can see first-hand the unique homeland security challenges of protecting the country's southern border. Admiral Winnefeld assumed command of NORAD and USNORTHCOM earlier this month.  USNORTHCOM's mission is to protect the United States homeland and support local, state, and federal authorities. Specifically, USNORTHCOM is responsible for theater security cooperation with Canada and Mexico.

 

During his first visit to the southern border, the Admiral will visit and meet with local, state, and federal law enforcement and members of the U.S. military serving on the Arizona-Mexico border.  The Admiral and the Senator will visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, tour Papago Camp Forward Operating Base and travel along the border.

 

“I appreciate the Admiral traveling to the Arizona-Mexico border as one of his first official trips in his new command,” said Senator John McCain. “I believe this visit will ensure the Admiral fully understands the critical situation on the southern border and the importance of securing the border to protect the safety of all Americans.”