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U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USC Midgett (WMSL 757), right, Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), left, and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) steam in formation during the group sail exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 24, 2026.
260424-M-SH393-1299 May 01 2026
U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System 4, return to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) after visiting a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft, assigned to Air Rescue Squadron 71 (ARS-71), Fleet Air Wing 31, during a casualty evacuation exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 27, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)
260427-N-DC740-2237 May 01 2026
U.S. Marines, assigned to the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, stage gear prior to boarding a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter, assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, Lal-Lo, Philippines,April 25, 2026.
260424-A-FU572-8893 Apr 30 2026
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen conduct a military free-fall jump during Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, April 23, 2026.
260423-A-UI440-1027 Apr 29 2026
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits the Surigao Strait, April 26, 2026. Boxer, flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is underway with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dustin Drake)
SURIGAO Apr 28 2026
U.S. Army Pvt. Dylan Maynard, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division holds security at an established observation post during Exercise Balikatan 2026, near Itbayat Airport, Itbayat, Philippines, April 25, 2026.
260425-A-VC863-1006 Apr 27 2026
During the counter-landing live-fire training, forces demonstrated their ability to sense the actions of a dynamic notional enemy, make collective real-time decisions, and coordinate an array of fire from missile systems, fighter aircraft, mortars, and machine guns.
260427-N-N0132-1003 Apr 27 2026
An Australian Army soldier, assigned to Charlie Company, 5th/7thBattalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1st Brigade, provides area security while his fellow soldiers exit a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during U.S. Army led cold-load training as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, Lal-lo, Philippines, April 21, 202
260420-A-FU572-1005 Apr 24 2026
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Delos Reyes, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, as it takes off from the ship’s flight deck during flight operations, April 18, 2026
260418-N-JB196-1107 Apr 23 2026
PACIFIC OCEAN (April 18, 2026) –An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 18, 2026.
260418-N-UA586-1350 Apr 21 2026
A U.S. Soldier, artillery crew member assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, extracts an expended 105mm shell casing during exercise Salaknib 26 at Fort Magsaysay Combat Readiness Training Area, Canantong, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, April 17, 2026.
260417-A-VC863-1393 Apr 20 2026
A multiple launch rocket system/high mobility launch rocket system (HIMARS) fires a precision-guided rocket at Canantong, Laur, Neuva Ecija, Apr. 16, 2026. Exercise Salaknib 26 marked the first time 25th Infantry Division successfully forward deployed and shot the HIMARS in another partner’s training areas.
260415-D-A4433-5991 Apr 17 2026
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jose Rodriguez-Barron, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M4 carbine during marksmanship training in the hangar bay of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), April 13, 2026.
PACIFIC OCEAN Apr 16 2026
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to take off from the flight deck aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, April 7, 2026.
260407-M-KL381-1710 Apr 15 2026
A Philippine Army soldier and U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engage targets during a blank-fire rehearsal ahead of a bilateral squad live-fire during Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 11, 2026.
260411-A-MA645-9669 Apr 14 2026
From left: Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), U.S. Navy Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FF 156), and U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conduct a group sail during a multilateral exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Royal Australian Navy in the Sulu Sea, April 13, 2026.
260413-N-BW367-2084 Apr 14 2026
U.S. Navy divers, attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, conduct a hazardous material detection sweep of the Artemis II crew module after its return from its lunar mission on April 10, 2026.
SAN DIEGO Apr 13 2026
Four people in NASA spacesuits pose for a photo while sitting on a small vessel in the ocean that is manned by two people in military camouflage uniforms.
260410-N-MJ302-1301 Apr 13 2026
An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 flies by amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), in the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2026.
260408-N-SL940-1014 Apr 09 2026
U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Savannah Edwards, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), lands a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight deck operations in the Pacific Ocean, April 2, 2026.
260402-M-CK747-1312 Apr 08 2026
U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Apprentice Colin Taylor, signals to a MH-60S Seahawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 4, 2026.
260404-N-YK125-1029 Apr 08 2026
U.S. Marines assigned to 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division exit a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing during an air assault as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, March 31, 2026.
260331-M-AD637-1287 Apr 07 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from 1st Battalion 11th Marines, is fired during a combined joint live fire exercise between the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and ROK Army near Pocheon, South Korea, March 31, 2026.
260331-A-ZF147-1004 Apr 03 2026
U.S. Marines, with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operate a rigid-hull inflatable boat in the Pacific Ocean, April 2, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations demonstrating the United States’ long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland)
260402-M-TI498-1259 Apr 03 2026
A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets during a situational training exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 31, 2026.
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines Apr 02 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, March 28, 2026.
260328-M-YF186-2295 Apr 01 2026
U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 11th Airborne Division, fire a M240 machine gun during Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Mar. 24, 2026.
260323-A-AT874-6037 Mar 27 2026
U.S. Marines, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) from a CH-53E Super Stallion during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel rehearsal in the Pacific Ocean, March 22, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations demonstrating the United States’ long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland)
260322-M-TI498-2257 Mar 25 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing lands at Osan Air Base, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea in preparation for KMEP 26.1, March 19, 2026.
260319-M-SM417-1051 Mar 24 2026
U.S. Sailors test launch a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean, March 18, 2025. Nimitz is currently underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled homeport shift to Norfolk, Virginia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Meyer)
PACIFIC OCEAN Mar 19 2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2d Infantry Division/ROK–U.S. Combined Division, conduct sling load operations in support of the 11th Engineer Battalion during Freedom Shield at an undisclosed location, March 14, 2026.
260314-A-YG332-1015 Mar 18 2026
Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division exit UH-60 Black Hawks during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training, March 14, 2026, at the Special Warfare Training Center in Lop Buri, Thailand.
260313-A-UB857-5492 Mar 17 2026
U.S. Air Force 18th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters extinguish a simulated aircraft fire during a USAF-led operational exercise, Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2026.
260312-F-LD348-1021 Mar 12 2026
THAILAND (March 5, 2026) — Republic of Korea Marine Corps Sgt. Seungno Kim, a squad leader assigned to Firearms Company, 82nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd Marine Division, prepares to fire an AT-1K Raybolt during a combined arms live-fire range part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 at Ban Chan Khrem, Khao Khitchakut district, Thailand, March 5, 2026.
260305-M-FG738-1258 Mar 11 2026
U.S. Army Spc. Danton D. Dacquel, an allied trades specialist assigned to Bravo Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), participates in the foot march event during the HIARNG Best Warrior Competition in Waimanalo, Hawaii, March 6, 2026.
260306-Z-SV327-3084 Mar 10 2026
U.S. Navy Divers, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1, Co. 1-3), Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Dive Unit One divers, and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Underwater Construction Team divers, secure an inflatable buoy to simulated ordnance during an underwater rigging and rappelling evolution as part of Cobra Gold 2026 in Thailand, Feb. 25, 2026.
260225-N-ED646-1363 Mar 10 2026
U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to raid a simulated enemy force as a part of Iron Fist 26 at Landing Zone Dodo, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 6, 2026. T
260306-M-BN482-1002 Mar 10 2026
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s containerized delivery system bundles drop from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area, Japan, March 4, 2026, during Airborne 26.
260304-F-PM645-1005 Mar 09 2026
San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), top, left, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Ōsumi-class tank landing ship JS Ōsumi (LST 4001), top, right, and JMSDF Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), bottom, right, sail in formation alongside America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during exercise Iron Fist, March 1, 2026.
260301-N-EU502-3355 Mar 06 2026
U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, board a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th MEU, on the flight deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during an amphibious assault in the Pacific Ocean, March 2, 2026.
260302-M-YF186-1234 Mar 06 2026
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Metcalf, a machine gunner with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fires a Mk-19 grenade launcher during a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Feb. 28, 2026.
260228-M-AO948-1178 Mar 04 2026
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) approaches Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) before a replenishment-at-sea, March 1, 2026.
260301-N-UC201-1005 Mar 04 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle, with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, docks on Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 25, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)
260225-M-FP389-2262 Mar 03 2026
U.S. Marines assigned to Task Force Ashland, I Marine Expeditionary Force, maintain security ashore while conducting operations at sea as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 at Hat Yao Beach, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 26, 2026.
260225-M-FG738-2201 Mar 02 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to launch from Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 26, 2026.
260226-M-KL381-2141 Feb 27 2026
U.S. Marines, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct post flight checks on an AH-1Z Viper on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Feb. 24, 2026. Boxer, flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is underway with the 11th MEU in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Normand Basque)
260224-N-CM165-1311 Feb 27 2026
A U.S. Marine, with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, notionally fires an M240B machine gun as part of weapon manipulation training aboard Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 24, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)
260224-M-FP389-2016 Feb 26 2026
A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, engages targets during a live-fire range during Korea Viper 26.2 at Suesong-ri range in Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 19, 2026.
260219-M-RI657-1255 Feb 25 2026
A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, enters the well deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during launch and recovery operations, Feb. 23, 2026. Boxer, flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is underway with the 11th MEU in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Sailor O’Rear)
U.S. 3RD FLEET Feb 25 2026
Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Bryce Houck communicates to the pilots of a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 during flight quarters aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Sagaimi Wan, Feb. 19, 2026.
260219-N-ZD626-1108 Feb 23 2026
A U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Air Assault), 11th Airborne Division positions himself with a FGM-148 Javelin simulated opposing force during Joint Pacific Multi-National Readiness Center 26-02 on the Yukon Training, Alaska Feb. 22, 2026.
260222-A-ED188-6159 Feb 23 2026
Sailors fire M4 rifles during a live fire evolution aboard America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Feb. 15, 2026.
260215-N-HM603-3516 Feb 20 2026
U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, breach a simulated point of entry during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operation aboard the landing dock transport ship, USS San Diego (LPD 22) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 6, 2026
260206-M-JR395-1094 Feb 19 2026
An MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 takes off from the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), during flight quarters, Feb. 17, 2026.
260217-N-HM603-2402 Feb 18 2026
From left, Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156), Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and Philippine Navy Jose Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG 07) sail in formation during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, Feb. 16, 2026.
260216-N-JJ672-1528 Feb 16 2026
U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) receives fuel from America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during a replenishment at sea in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 10, 2026.
260210-N-KW492-1880 Feb 12 2026
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 1st Class Jaime Martinez directs the landing of multiple F-35B Lighting IIs, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, during flight operations aboard America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Feb. 5, 2026.
260205-N-MQ780-1141 Feb 10 2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2d Infantry Division/ROK–U.S. Combined Division, alongside U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha and Republic of Korea Special Operations Forces, conduct combined air assault operations during day and night training, Feb. 2, 2026.
260202-A-YG332-1007 Feb 06 2026
U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 48 with Assault Craft Unit 5, disembarks Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during ship-to-shore operations in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 5, 2026.
260205-M-KL381-1152 Feb 06 2026
A CH-53 Super Stallion attached to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 lands on the flight deck of the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), during flight operations Feb. 4, 2026.
260204-N-KX492-1095 Feb 05 2026
 


 

More news from the Indo-Pacific

First Gray Eagle Flight Expands Army Aviation Capability in Alaska

20 April 2016

From Staff Sgt. Sean Brady

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FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- The morning of April 11 was especially important for the Soldiers of UATF’s Delta Company, 25th Aviation Regiment “Gray Eagle” as they prepared for the inaugural flight of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial System in Alaska.

Just minutes after 10 o’clock the Gray Eagle left the tarmac, gaining altitude on its first flight in Alaskan airspace. Gray Eagle arrived in Alaska late last year to enhance the tactical capabilities of commanders in USARAK Aviation, Stryker and Airborne units, along with joint partners. 

"It's taken more than four years and included countless Federal and Department of Defense personnel to move Gray Eagle in Alaska forward," said Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Reed Greenwood, USARAK's lead aviation planner. "Making Gray Eagle a reality required USARAK to work closely with DoD-level aviation managers and to solicit recommendations and involvement from the Alaska public through a half-dozen outreach events."

The versatility of Gray Eagle gives units in Alaska the ability to train for wartime tasks with real-world combat assets. The aircraft is the newest addition to UATF’s inventory, capable of operating in extreme cold regions across the globe. 

“With the addition of the Gray Eagle, we continue to provide top notch, professional aviation support to the Stryker and Airborne Brigade while simultaneously maintaining MEDEVAC and aerial firefighting capabilities for the Army and our local partners,” said Col. Blake Alexander, UATF commander.

UATF’s diversity is shown not only by the aircraft they have, but through the variety of their missions and operating environments. Alaska has a range of weather and environmental conditions that cannot be replicated anywhere in the United States. 

With extreme altitudes over the highest mountains in North America and in temperatures ranging from 90 degrees in the summer to minus 50 degrees in the winter, UATF aviators are ready to fly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in support of emergency response medical evacuation missions for the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and fight summer wild fires in support of the Bureau of Land Management. These missions go beyond the requirement to provide trained and ready aviation units to the U.S. Pacific Command and for other global contingency operations.

With the addition of an AH-64 Apache battalion in August 2015, UATF now has an aerial attack capability never seen before in Alaska. These arctic-capable Apaches are outfitted with skis year-round, stabilizing the aircraft when landing on muskeg, snowpack and glaciers. The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade is currently testing an equipment pod to hold aviators’ extreme cold-weather survival gear, a unique requirement for combat operations in extreme cold regions like the Arctic.

The current era of Army aviation in Alaska began in 2005 with Task Force 49, a medium combat aviation brigade headquarters. Over the next five years, TF 49 deployed seven modular aviation units to Iraq over five separate deployments. In 2011, TF 49 transitioned to become 16th Combat Aviation Brigade and the headquarters moved to Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. 

Now under the complete mission command of UATF and USARAK, Alaska aviation battalions have deployed modularly to Afghanistan and Korea and have supported five National Training Center rotations at Fort Irwin, California.

"I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments of the UATF headquarters and staff over the last 10 months”, said Alexander. “This unit has demonstrated they can provide the leadership, coordination, mission command and oversight to achieve any mission for the Army and the state of Alaska.”

With more aviation combat power now in the Pacific region than in recent memory, UATF stands ready to fly, fight and train in an area bigger than Texas, Montana, California and Kansas combined. Within that area is the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a series of training areas open to joint, interagency and multinational training. The JPARC consists of 65,000 square miles of airspace and 2,490 square miles of land space with 1.5 million acres of maneuver land. The space allows for full-spectrum engagements, combined arms exercises, and unique opportunities to train with international partners.

“We are looking forward to maintaining our engagement in the pacific with the Nepalese Army Aviation and future coalition partnerships,” said Alexander. “I'm really looking forward to this summer as we expand our joint capabilities with the U.S. Air Force during the upcoming Red Flag and Arctic Anvil training exercises.”

 

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