JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Homeland defense is the top priority for the Department of Defense and U.S. Army North plays an important role in that no-fail mission, said the new commanding general of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command during a town hall meeting July 17 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
"The nation's number one mission is our responsibility," Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy emphasized during a town hall meeting with ARNORTH soldiers and civilians.
"Each of us has a role. And every one of you has a unique role in protecting us in the homeland," O'Shaughnessy told the crowd during the town hall event. "That's an awesome responsibility. That's a sacred responsibility. But it's a heavy responsibility."
O'Shaughnessy praised Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, ARNORTH commanding general, and ARNORTH personnel for their response to the devastating hurricane season Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico experienced in 2017.
"When we look at preparing for a conflict, we don't know when or where it might happen. But I can tell you, Army North, there's a 100 percent chance that you will respond to something in the coming months," O'Shaughnessy said. "I don't know what it might be. Maybe it's a hurricane. Maybe it's an earthquake. Maybe it's a crisis at the national level. I don't know. But I know you all will be there right in the thick of something and that means we have to be prepared."
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul McKenna, NORAD and NORTHCOM command senior enlisted leader, joined O'Shaughnessy on the visit, during which they also attended information briefings and viewed ARNORTH communications vehicles.