Senator Sullivan Questions Air Force Nominee on Alaska Incursions and Infrastructure Needs

Strategic Importance of Alaska

• 💡 Billy Mitchell identified Alaska as the most strategic place on the planet, a sentiment echoed by the current Air Force nominee.
• 🎯 Both the US and its adversaries, specifically Russia and China, recognize Alaska's strategic significance.

Adversary Incursions and Intercept Missions

• 📈 In the last two and a half years, there have been numerous Russian and Chinese incursions into US airspace and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) around Alaska.
• ✈️ These incursions include joint strategic bomber task forces and naval operations, highlighting coordinated efforts by adversaries.
• intercept missions are conducted using F-22s, F-16s, and F-35s, often requiring multiple aerial refuelings.

Risks and Infrastructure Requirements

• ⚠️ Intercept missions are incredibly high-risk, especially in harsh conditions like February nights, with significant dangers for pilots if they must eject.
• 🛠️ Northcom and Indopacom commanders have testified to the need for more infrastructure in Alaska to support these critical missions.
• 📍 Proposed infrastructure improvements include developing ADAC as a Navy base, a hangar at Utqiagvik (Barrow) for search and rescue, and utilizing Galena, a former Air Force base.

Commitment to Support and Resources

• 🤝 The nominee committed to working with Senator Sullivan and the committee on infrastructure projects essential for supporting military personnel on the front lines of great power competition.
• ⛽ A specific commitment was sought and given to work towards stationing four KC-135 tankers at a base in Alaska, fulfilling a long-standing promise to enhance refueling capabilities for intercept missions.