norad 'fabric virgo' drills aug12-13 to prep for 2010 bc olympics

from defence watch: The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) will conduct Exercise Fabric Virgo this week in southwestern British Columbia in support of preparations for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

The exercise, which will be conducted in the Vancouver and Abbotsford areas August 12-13, will involve Canadian Forces CF-18 fighters and other aircraft flying at low altitudes. Residents in the exercise areas may hear aircraft noise and perhaps see aircraft flying at various times throughout the day.

NORAD maintains aircraft assets throughout North America in order to support its bi-national mission of providing aerospace defence, warning and control for North America. As the Canadian geographical component of NORAD, CANR provides airspace surveillance and control, and directs all air sovereignty activities for the Canadian NORAD Region.

Training is conducted in a disciplined manner and in a professional environment to ensure NORAD's rapid response capability. To maintain the integrity of its air defense mission, NORAD will not discuss specific details of the exercises.