US deploys forces to Alaska amid Russia-China naval drills

The US Army swiftly deployed troops and equipment to the remote Aleutian Islands in Alaska as a demonstration of military strength.

This operation, which commenced this week in the North Pacific, serves as a strategic signal to US adversaries amidst joint naval exercises by Russia and China in the Pacific, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.  

In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, Major General Joseph Hilbert, commander of the Army's 11th Airborne Division, highlighted that the deployment showcases US Army Pacific's capability to rapidly and efficiently position assets in even the most isolated regions. "The Army relies on us to be Arctic specialists," Hilbert noted, emphasising the division’s role in maintaining land power in the area.  

For this exercise, the 11th Airborne Division assembled a diverse set of resources from across the US Army, including a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System platoon from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, communication gear from Hawaii, and target acquisition radar along with an infantry security force from the division itself. Approximately 130 soldiers were involved in the operation.  

The Alaska Air National Guard and the Air Force facilitated the transportation of these assets and weaponry. "Bringing these forces together," Hilbert explained, "shows any potential adversary that we can deploy anywhere on short notice. We can create a strategic challenge instantly," he added, "and we can do so with substantial firepower and as a coordinated joint force."  

Hilbert emphasised that the deployment of the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) highlights the crucial role of long-range firepower in both projecting force and deterring adversaries, a lesson reinforced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.  

The exercise, which will extend into the following week, is designed to be highly visible to both allies and adversaries. Unlike efforts to conceal military capabilities and equipment within the electromagnetic spectrum, this event was deliberately conspicuous. The Army intended to demonstrate that these assets are readily deployable, even to remote locations, signaling readiness to US allies and partners.  

The training is taking place in the Aleutian Islands, specifically on Shemya Island, which is part of the chain extending from Alaska's southern edge into the Bering Sea and Northern Pacific Ocean. This environment is challenging and requires soldiers to develop specialised Arctic warfare skills.