The success of America's global military strategy depends on a strong domestic defense.

The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) – established in 2002 and headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs - serves as the foundation of the world's most sophisticated defense network, providing command and control of Department of Defense assets to deter, prevent, and neutralize all potential threats.

Serving as a major component of USNORTHCOM, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) provides critical aerospace warning and control capabilities, ensuring supreme air sovereignty and maximum air defense across the continental U.S., Alaska, and Canada.

This coin pays tribute to the mission of USNORTHCOM and its subordinate commands to protect Americans where they live and work by providing the absolute highest levels of threat awareness and operational response.