Northern Edge

Northern Edge is a biennial military exercise hosted by the United States Pacific Command and conducted by the United States Pacific Air Forces and United States Pacific Fleet in the Gulf of Alaska and surrounding areas, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base. The exercise involves participation from various branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard, as well as international partners such as the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The primary objective of Northern Edge is to provide a platform for military units to practice and enhance their skills in a joint and combined environment, with a focus on Pacific Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Asia-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean. This exercise is also supported by other organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Introduction

The Northern Edge exercise is designed to simulate a variety of scenarios, including Air Defense, Maritime Defense, and Amphibious Assault, with the goal of improving interoperability and coordination among participating units. The exercise typically involves a range of activities, including Air-to-Air Combat, Air-to-Ground Combat, and Maritime Interdiction, and is supported by a range of assets, including F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and Ticonderoga-class cruiser warships, and P-8 Poseidon and P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Northern Edge is also an opportunity for military units to test and evaluate new tactics, techniques, and procedures, such as those developed by the United States Naval War College and the United States Air Force Academy. The exercise is often conducted in conjunction with other military exercises, such as Rim of the Pacific and Red Flag-Alaska, which are hosted by the United States Pacific Fleet and the United States Air Force, respectively.

Geography

The Northern Edge exercise is conducted in the Gulf of Alaska and surrounding areas, including the Kenai Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. The exercise area includes a range of terrain and environments, from the Chugach Mountains to the Bering Sea, and provides a unique and challenging setting for military units to operate in. The exercise is supported by a range of facilities and infrastructure, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base, which are located in the Anchorage, Alaska area and the Fairbanks, Alaska area, respectively. The exercise also involves participation from other locations, including Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Station Everett, which are located in the state of Washington. The geography of the exercise area is also influenced by the presence of Denali National Park and Preserve and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which are located in the Alaska Range.

Climate

The climate in the Northern Edge exercise area is characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited visibility, which can make it challenging for military units to operate. The exercise is typically conducted during the summer months, when the weather is slightly warmer and the days are longer, but the conditions can still be harsh and unpredictable. The climate in the area is influenced by the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea, which can bring cold air and moisture into the region. The exercise area is also prone to northern lights and other extreme weather phenomena, such as Blizzards and Ice storms, which can impact the conduct of the exercise. The climate is also studied by organizations such as the National Weather Service and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which provide support to the exercise.

History

The Northern Edge exercise has been conducted biennially since the 1990s, with the first exercise taking place in 1993. The exercise has evolved over the years to reflect changing global security conditions and the shifting priorities of the United States Armed Forces. In recent years, the exercise has focused on scenarios related to Pacific Command's area of responsibility, including China, North Korea, and Russia. The exercise has also involved participation from a range of international partners, including Australia, Canada, and Japan, which are all members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The history of the exercise is also linked to other military exercises, such as Cobra Gold and Talisman Saber, which are hosted by the United States Pacific Command and the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Economy

The Northern Edge exercise has a significant economic impact on the local communities in Alaska, particularly in the Anchorage, Alaska and Fairbanks, Alaska areas. The exercise involves the deployment of thousands of military personnel and contractors, who spend millions of dollars on food, lodging, and other services. The exercise also generates revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and equipment suppliers. The economic impact of the exercise is also felt in other parts of the United States, particularly in the defense industry, which provides equipment and services to support the exercise. The exercise is also supported by organizations such as the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, which provide assistance to local businesses. The economy of the region is also influenced by the presence of Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the Port of Anchorage, which are critical infrastructure for the state of Alaska. Category:Military exercises