The US-led joint military training exercise Northern Edge 2019 (NE19) has started in Alaska, comprising a Pacific Fleet aircraft carrier and other assets.
Hosted by US Pacific Air Forces, NE19 is one of multiple US Indo-Pacific Command exercises planned for this year to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the region.
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NE19 will see around 10,000 US military personnel participating in joint training drills on and above central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska. The exercise started yesterday and will run until 24 May.
During the exercise, personnel will work on improving their tactical combat skills.
The exercise will help improve command, control and communication relationships, while also developing interoperable plans and programmes across the joint force.
Alongside participation of military personnel from across the continental US and the Pacific, the event will also involve around 250 aircraft from all services, as well as five US Navy vessels.
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By GlobalDataAnother key feature in the exercise is the participation of a Pacific Fleet aircraft carrier for the first time in ten years.
In a statement, US Pacific Air Forces said: “Participants will serve as part of a joint task force, which will help enhance multi-service integration and exercise a wide range of joint capabilities.
“NE19 is the largest military training exercise scheduled in Alaska this year with virtual and live participants from all over the United States exercising alongside live players.”
The training will focus on improving current and test future applications of combat operations and weapons capabilities.
Also taking part in NE19 are US Indo-Pacific Command, US Pacific Fleet, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Materiel Command, US 3rd Fleet, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and US Naval Reserve.
