U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) is cementing the vast network of relationships required for a unified domestic response to an attack or a major natural disaster, its commander said Dec. 18.

Since it was established a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, NORTHCOM has formed partnerships with about 60 other U.S. and Canadian federal agencies and the states, Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. said.

"We have formed a team that anticipates the kinds of disasters that might occur, manmade and natural, and tries to prepare Department of Defense forces to work in support of a lead federal agency, a state adjutant general and his governor," Renuart said.

He conceded that this has taken time to develop, but said things have come a long way since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 identified gaps.

NORTHCOM's relationship with the Guard was among those in which he reported progress.

Renuart said his command spent the last 10 months working closely with the Guard Bureau and state adjutants general to build confidence and cooperation.

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