OTTAWA – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence, and General Tom Lawson, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, attended today’s Change of Command Ceremony at the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States.
U.S. Navy Admiral Bill Gortney will assume the position of the 23rd Commander of NORAD and the sixth Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). Admiral Gortney leaves his position as the Commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command and will be replacing U.S. Army General Charles Jacoby, who is retiring following 36 years of military service.
“I am pleased to attend the Change of Command ceremony, to recognize the exemplary leadership, vision and service of General Jacoby, and to welcome Admiral Gortney into this important position. Canada and the U.S. have worked together at NORAD for many years, and I know that our excellent partnership, coupled with Admiral Gortney’s leadership, will keep our countries safe and our working relationship strong.”
General Tom Lawson, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811