NORAD responds to report on Peterson security concerns

NORAD has released a statement in response to today's article in The Gazette about the contents of a GAO report:

The article in The (Colorado Springs) Gazette is incomplete and inaccurate and is based on a preliminary document that is classified, titled "Statement of Facts."

News reports do not contain the GAO's final (classified) analysis and their recommendations for NORAD and USNORTHCOM action. Also missing are the commands' responses to the GAO's recommendations, which are classified.

The sensationalized accusation that military officials somehow misled Congress is false. The GAO draft report does not draw this conclusion and it is unfortunate that news reports have indicated otherwise. We have conducted extensive classified and unclassified informational briefings, tours and meetings with appropriate Congressional leaders.

Again, press reporting on this story is based on only one element of the GAO's analysis. In fact, the commands have already implemented and are in the process of implementing appropriate security and protection measures.

This report is still in draft and we will submit official comments to the GAO as required.

The bottom line: The new command center at Peterson AFB significantly enhances our ability to respond to the full spectrum (air, land, maritime, space and cyber) of security threats to North America.

NORAD spokesman Michael Kucharek told The Associated Press the GAO made several classified recommendations, which have been implemented by NORAD commanders. Kucharek added that NORAD officials will submit official comments to the GAO as required.

Navy Cmdr. Gregory Hicks, a Pentagon spokesman, told the AP they look forward to seeing the report but that he couldn't comment on any recommendations until it's a final report.