[Snow Bunny]

SSgt(s) David J. McCarrison 1CS/SCSVL Langley AFB, VA

[Desert Lizard]

Hello again. I will be back later, just stopping in to say hello.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Bunny. Where's the coffee?

[Snow Bunny]

Norad ….The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a binational United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America.

Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, utilizing mutual support arrangements with other commands.

Aerospace control includes providing surveillance and control of Canadian and United States airspace.

Cheyenne Mountain Command Center

During the Gulf War, it often took more than five minutes to notify ground troops that Iraq had launched a Scud missile.

Today, the situation at the North American Air Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado is much different: If a missile of military significance is launched anywhere in the world, it will show up on NORAD computers within seconds.

Computer operators then instantly contact commanders on the ground -- via computers and a sophisticated satellite receiver station on the battlefield.

The use of satellite imagery also has revolutionized other battlefield communications. The army is now using satellite imagery and other systems to give ground and air commanders photographs and interactive on-screen maps of the battlefield.

[Snow Bunny]

The Defense Satellite Communications Systems (DSCS) is an important part of the comprehensive plan to support globally distributed military users.

Currently, two Phase II and eight Phase III DSCS satellites orbit the earth at an altitude of more than 23,000 miles.

[Snow Bunny]

SSgt Mark K. Apsey DFAS-EU Ramstein AB, Germany

[Tennessee_Bob]

NORAD...how cool. Dad used to work in The Mountain, years and years ago. I remember a few times when he didn't come home for a couple days at a time. I was in 4th, 5th, and part of 6th grade while we were in Colorado Springs, and I don't know if those were exercises or close calls when he was gone. And to be honest...I don't want to know even now.

[quimby]

This AF vet says bump and thanks for all you do.

[DoughtyOne]

Run silent, run deep.
Now I lay me down to sleep...

Freep, zzz, Freep, zzz, Free...

[Bogie]

Good morning Snow!

[ohioWfan]

Good morning all! I'm off to visit my Dad today, but thought I'd post my hot-off-the-press sketch of little Georgie! I think this is somewhere around 1954 or 55, and I cut a very small Jebby out! (Sorry Bar!)

Like it, Billie? I still owe a big debt of gratitude to you for inspiration and assistance in getting these posted! THANKS!!

[jellybean]

Good morning, Bunny! Just stopping in on my way to work. I'l just grab a quick cup of coffee now and check in later. Have a good one!...

[Euro-American Scum]

Morning, Bunny. Just dropped by for my daily dose of good will.

[Aquamarine]

Good morning! Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. I just love Spring!

Click on the picture.

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning Bunny. Interesting information about NORAD. It's comforting to know they are there protecting us.

BTW, I saw the beautiful blue rose LouieWolf gave you yesterday. He makes his FRiends feel very special, doesn't he? :-)

Happy Spring!

[T'wit]

This is not a happy anniversary for the U.S. Navy. On March 19, 1945, the carrier Franklin was off the coast of Japan, launching a strike. A single Japanese dive bomber slipped in undetected and hit the aft flight deck -- teeming with men, planes, bombs, ammunition and fuel lines -- with two 500 pound bombs. In the inferno that followed, every man in the area was "vaporized." More were killed in secondary explosions and fires. Altogether over 800 died -- more than in any other ship that stayed afloat. One was my father-in-law, a surgeon, who died at his post in the ship's hospital below decks. For all this, "Big Ben" made it home under her own power. Two officers won the Medal of Honor.

Here she is, after the fires had been largely brought under control: The Franklin . . . . Another view

[SAMWolf]

Beamer had so much fun skiing with you yesterday that he's waiting on the Ski Slope for you SB.

[SAMWolf]

More Skiing today?

[Joe Brower]

Good afternoon, SB.

SAMWolf, that's one spiffy fleugzeg in post #56!

[JustAmy]

Good Morning All
God Bless our Military!
God Bless President G. W. Bush!
God Bless America!!

[d14truth]

Anyone hungry?