U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, walk to the opening ceremony of Exercise Southern Jackaroo in Townsville Field Training Area, Australia, May 29, 2026.

A CMV-22B Osprey, attached to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, prepares for take off on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 30, 2026.

U.S. Army Pfc. Tristan Fuhrman a soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets during a platoon night blank-fire exercise as part of Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 28, 2026.

260528-A-AQ215-7080 Jun 01 2026

A U.S. Coast Guard 35-foot Long-Range Interceptor embarked cutter boat attached to Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) sails alongside Philippine Navy BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-151) in support of a passenger transfer during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, May 28, 2026. The U.S Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Midgett is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley)

260526-G-BB085-1003 May 30 2026

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets during a platoon live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 26, 2026.

Fort Magsaysay. Philippines May 28 2026

An EA-18 Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippines Sea, May 25, 2026.

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY May 27 2026

Joint Special Operations Command, Armed Forces Philippines operators conduct military free fall training from a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J Commando II as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, May 4, 2026.

LAOAG, LUZON, Philippines May 26 2026

An F-35C Lighting II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepares to take off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 25, 2026. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWACSG) is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Estrella Velarde)

260525-N-PA209-1240 May 26 2026

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment engages the opposing force during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Laur, Philippines, May 20, 2026.

260519-A-FU572-9722 May 22 2026

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers assigned to 2nd Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, pull security after being transported from a UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, during a multinational air assault mission part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 17, 2026.

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines May 20 2026

U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan Zyk, a crew chief assigned to the 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, guides Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade (Air Assault), toward a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to execute a multinational air assault exercise during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, May 17, 2026.

260517-A-KP914-1148 May 19 2026

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, navigate mountainous terrain during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, May 11, 2026.

260512-A-MA645-1006 May 18 2026

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares to land a sling loaded M119 Howitzer assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY), 25th Infantry Division, during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 16, 2026.

260516-A-XD912-1018 May 18 2026

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division run onto a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade during hot load training as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 13, 2026.

PHILIPPINES May 15 2026

A U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 delivers supplies from Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) onto Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during a replenishment-at-sea, May 11, 2026.

260511-N-BB260-1293 May 14 2026

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, pull security during training activities as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 10, 2026.

260510-A-GU297-3172 May 13 2026

U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Philippine marines stand by to engage during a counter-landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 in Aporawan, Philippines, April 27, 2026.

260427-M-GL456-1379 May 12 2026

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, sling loads Infantry Squad Vehicles to a Boeing CH-47 Chinook during training as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 10, 2026.

260509-A-KA877-9715 May 11 2026

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment engage targets with an anti-tank weapon system during a counter-landing live-fire exercise during Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.

LAOAG, Philippines May 08 2026

Philippine Air Force special operators conduct a military free-fall jump as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, April 29, 2026.

260429-A-UI440-1018 May 07 2026

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, readies for launch off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), May 5, 2026.

260505-N-XN798-2056 May 06 2026

A Philippine Army cannon crewmember, assigned to Eighth Field Artillery Brigade, Artillery Regiment, pulls the cord for an M101 105mm Howitzer during a counter landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.

260504-A-KP914-1078 May 06 2026

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2-11 Long Range Fires Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Artillery, fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a counter-landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.

260503-A-MA645-2001 May 05 2026

U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade take off during a long-range maritime air assault operation as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, La-lo, Philippines, April 23, 2026.

260423-A-XD912-1048 May 05 2026

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

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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First Gray Eagle Flight Expands Army Aviation Capability in Alaska

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