National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
On July 15, for the first time as Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David McGuinty travelled to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) headquarters in Colorado, to attend the Transfer of Appointment Ceremony of the Deputy Commander.
While in Colorado Springs, Minister McGuinty met with the Commander of NORAD, General Gregory M. Guillot, to discuss strengthening North American security. He met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who are based at NORAD, as well as attended a missile defence demonstration
Minister McGuinty reiterated Canada’s commitment to NORAD modernization, Arctic security, and initiatives such as Arctic Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) and Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
Consistent with the Prime Minister’s commitments to supporting NORAD and strengthening Canada’s air and missile defences, Minister McGuinty also confirmed that the Government has removed all restrictions on air and missile defence of Canada. This will enable Canada to strengthen its defence capabilities and better deter and defend against threats to our country’s sovereignty, population, and critical infrastructure.
Minister McGuinty also met with outgoing Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General (LGen) Blaise Frawley, and LGen Iain Huddleston, who has assumed the role of Deputy Commander of NORAD.
The Deputy Commander of NORAD is the most senior CAF officer in the command, also serving as the Commander of the Canadian Element NORAD, which includes all Canadian personnel assigned to NORAD across North America. NORAD is a bi-national United States-Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control, and maritime warning for North America. In this dual role, the Deputy Commander advises the Commander of NORAD on the management and employment of assigned forces, while also overseeing the command’s planning processes and operational functions.
Quotes
“I thank Lieutenant-General Blaise Frawley for his outstanding service and leadership as Deputy Commander of NORAD. His dedication to continental defence has been exemplary. I also congratulate Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston on his appointment and have full confidence in his ability to carry forward this vital mission.”
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“NORAD is far more than a bi-national command; it is a steadfast partnership forged through a rich history of friendship, trust, and a shared mission: the always unwavering protection of our homelands. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant-General Frawley for his consummate dedication to this vital responsibility these past two years. Your leadership and commitment as Deputy NORAD Commander have been truly exemplary. I am confident that Lieutenant-General Huddleston will demonstrate the same perseverance and commitment to the mission, exemplifying the leadership and dedication that have long defined NORAD’s enduring partnership.”
Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff
“It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve as the Deputy Commander of NORAD over the past two years. This role has deepened my appreciation of the critical importance of NORAD’s mission, to safeguard the sovereignty and security of North America through vigilant and continuous aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning. NORAD stands as a pillar of binational cooperation, embodying unwavering dedication, readiness, and unity – qualities I have witnessed daily in its dedicated members, Canadian and American alike. To the NORAD community, your commitment to the mission is both inspiring and unwavering, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to you all. I pass the torch to a very capable leader, whose appreciation for this vital mission is substantial as a former Commander of one of NORAD’s three regions. Lieutenant-General Huddleston, with my profound respect, you have the watch.”
Lieutenant-General Blaise Frawley, outgoing Deputy Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command
“I am honoured to assume the role of NORAD Deputy Commander and to become General Guillot’s teammate in leading this storied organization, the longest standing bi-national command in the world. I am joining a distinguished community of Canadian and American military and civilian professionals who serve together in defence of our great nations and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of 27 esteemed predecessors. I am also eager to contribute to a pivotal era of NORAD modernization—an era that will empower us to successfully detect threats, deter adversaries, and defend our continent amidst an ever-evolving technological and global landscape. I extend my sincere gratitude to Lieutenant-General Frawley for a seamless and successful transition of responsibilities. With both humility and pride, I have the watch.”
Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston, incoming Deputy Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command
Quick Facts
LGen Huddleston is a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officer and pilot with over 5,600 flight hours and extensive operational and international experience, including deployments to the Middle East and an exchange with the Royal Air Force in Scotland. He commanded 1 Canadian Air Division and most recently served as Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. As the incoming Deputy Commander of NORAD, LGen Huddleston will continue to advance his longstanding commitment to continental defence through binational leadership and strategic oversight.
A decorated CF-18 fighter pilot and combat veteran, LGen Frawley held key operational, instructional and command roles across Canada and abroad. He led at every level, from squadron to wing command, and served in senior leadership positions including Deputy Commander of the RCAF and Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Commander of NORAD, capping a distinguished career in the RCAF and the CAF.
