As part of Operation Polar Dagger, U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations troops trained on the coasts of Alaska. The deployment included MH-60M helicopters, an expeditionary sea base ship, fast interdiction boats, and various support assets.
The presence of special operations units on the coasts of Alaska aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of personnel and equipment to execute amphibious operations, long-range movements, maritime interdiction operations, medical evacuation, and personnel recovery.
Local media reported that one phase of Operation Polar Dagger took place on and around St. Lawrence Island, where a SEAL team operated with local guides to “support their long-range movement” across the island. The Special Operations teams, along with the MH-60M helicopters from the 160th SOAR, deployed from the USS John Canley, one of the four expeditionary sea base (ESB) ships available to the U.S. Navy.
ESB ships were conceived as highly flexible platforms to be employed in various military operations, constituting a critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and combat capability. These units have facilities for deploying air and naval assets, including a four-spot flight deck, a mission deck for operating small craft, and a hangar. Each of these spaces was designed around four main capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment support, and command and control capabilities.
Polar Dagger was conducted ahead of the new U.S. strategy for the Arctic region, which includes enhancing capabilities, increasing collaboration with allies, and boosting the presence of the Armed Forces. “…In addition to relationships with allied and partner militaries, regular engagement and government-to-government consultations with Alaska Native tribes, communities, and corporations are crucial to achieving shared objectives… Many of our allies and partners live every day in the Arctic operational environment and can provide valuable capabilities and experience…,” details the recently published Arctic Strategy.
The presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Alaska, including special operations units, gains greater significance in light of the combined advance of Russia and China in the region, a presence that has grown in recent years with the deployment of air and naval assets. One of the most recent encounters included the presence of Tu-95MS and H-6K bombers from the Russian and Chinese Air Forces, respectively.
The U.S. and Canada’s response to this presence involved the deployment of various air assets, including fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters, F-16C Fighting Falcon, CF-18 Hornet, E-3 Sentry early warning and control aircraft, and tankers, among others. Any type of operation in the Arctic environment requires considerable planning and the availability of resources due to the challenging weather conditions and inhospitable geography.
Cover image: USAF – Senior Airman Johnny Diaz
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