There’s a common saying in Alaska, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.”
The axiom illustrates how quickly and drastically Alaska’s atmospheric conditions can change at the whim of an often-foreboding arctic landscape, which plays host to a joint force of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen during Northern Edge 2021.
Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs.