Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), welcomed Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, Denmark’s chief of defence, during a visit to Alaska military facilities in August. The three-day event focused on combined Arctic operations, airspace security, operational integration and interoperability. The visit began at Eielson Air Force Base, near Fairbanks. Both leaders suited up and participated in separate tactical flight routines in F-16 Fighting Falcons. The flights gave them firsthand experience with the demanding conditions of Arctic tactical flying and showed them the integration of air defense assets that support…
The Watch
The killing of Sinaloa Cartel leader and a shootout that left nearly a dozen dead in July 2026 demonstrates an ongoing coordinated state and federal response to organized crime amid a devastating factional war within the cartel that has left thousands dead. Mexican security forces killed a high-level leader of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel on July 7, the latest in a series of operations against the transnational criminal organization (TCO). His death came one day after a shootout between Mexican security forces and Los Chapitos assassins left one Marine dead and three wounded in another part…
Officials from The Bahamas attended the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) Forum in Panama City, Panama, in August 2026, joining in regional discussions on strengthening security cooperation throughout the Western Hemisphere. Bahamian Minister of National Security Myles K. LaRoda led the delegation, which also included Commodore Floyd P. Moxey, commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), and Capt. Derrick Ferguson. The Americas Counter Cartel Coalition Forum is a conference that brings together defense and security ministers from partner nations with a focus on coordinating military and intelligence operations against transnational drug cartels and narco-terrorist networks. Participating countries include Argentina,…
Defense and diplomatic leaders from Denmark, its autonomous territory of Greenland, and the United States gathered at Pituffik Space Base in August 2026 to commemorate the base’s 75th anniversary. The ceremony honored the vital post in Greenland that protects NATO’s northern flank, advances scientific research and ensures U.S. and allied space superiority. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, chief of defense for the Danish military, Mininnguaq Kleist, Greenland’s permanent secretary of foreign affairs, and Maj. Gen. Soren Anderson, commander of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, headlined…
The United States Department of War has created a senior position to coordinate a vast array of projects related to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS (c-UAS) weapon systems. The new position — direct reporting portfolio manager for unmanned systems (DRPM-UxS) — will report directly to the deputy secretary of war. War Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the responsibilities of the new position in a June 29, 2026, memo. The manager will “direct all activities to develop, procure, field, sustain and operationalize unmanned and autonomous systems across all domains,” the memo stated. The move comes as the U.S. increasingly deploys UAS…
At FIFA World Cup 2026 sites across the United States and Canada in June and July, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) executed defense and security support missions to ensure safety and security at the games. On the day of the World Cup’s final match, F-16s were deployed in three separate incidents to intercept civilian aircraft violating temporary flight restrictions. “Our support demonstrates the quiet, behind-the-scenes work our commands do every day to keep the skies secure,” said Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of USNORTHCOM and NORAD. Canada, Mexico and the U.S. welcomed millions…
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) collaborated with the United States Coast Guard in July 2026 to intercept a boat laden with nearly $3 million in marijuana near Great Inagua. The interdiction reflected the close cooperation between the maritime forces. The operation also included a private-sector vessel, part of a new Coast Guard initiative designed to enhance the effectiveness of defending U.S. borders and maritime approaches. “This interdiction highlights the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to combating transnational organized crime in the region,” said Lt. Peter Fager, commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Charles Sexton. “Working together, we continue…
Senior leaders in the Mexican and United States militaries met in Veracruz, Mexico, in July 2026 to discuss effective ways to counter transnational criminal organizations (TCO), special operations training opportunities, information sharing and how best to defend against unauthorized unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The July 19-22 meetings between Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and Mexico’s top military leaders, Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, secretary of national defense, and Adm. Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, secretary of the Navy, built on previous face-to-face meetings as the two North American…
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) welcomed Brig. Gen. Mark W. Siekman from United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) during an official visit to the Harbour Patrol Unit on May 26, 2026, and the Coral Harbour Base on May 27. Siekman met with RBDF commanders, department heads and unit leaders, and he praised the RBDF for its professionalism, dedication and commitment to service. Capt. Stephen U. Rolle and Cmdr. Valentino Rolle, Harbour Patrol commanding officer, formally welcomed Siekman and his delegation to the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit. Rolle briefed Siekman, who serves as director for logistics and engineering (J-4) for both…
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are conducting Operation Latitude, a recurring continental defense mission that demonstrates Canada’s ability to operate effectively alongside allied forces in northern waters, including the Bering Sea, and in a complex Arctic environment. “Through regular, professional and coordinated activities, we reinforce Arctic sovereignty, protect Canada’s northern approaches and defend North American territory against evolving security threats,” said Lt. Gen. Steve Boivin, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command. The operation supports the CAF’s expansive approach to enhanced Arctic and northern operations, safeguarding its permanent presence and sustained activities across the region while reinforcing core missions…