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Sharpening the Arctic Edge

Training in the Arctic means braving freezing winds, icy seas and rugged terrain. But for soldiers assigned to the 3rd Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) it's just another day in the life.  

An airman pilots an aircraft as seen from the cockpit with a blue sky and a view of the ground is shown through the windows.
On Top of the World
An Air Force pilot flies an MC-130J Commando II while transporting cargo from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Exercise Arctic Edge, Aug. 6, 2025. The U.S. Northern Command-led exercise demonstrates joint force readiness in extremely cold weather as well as the military’s commitment to strategic security interests in the Arctic region.
Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess
VIRIN: 250807-F-NW722-7704K

A joint force team of soldiers, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, to complete training in some of the world's harshest conditions from July 31 to August 14.  

Exercise Arctic Edge, led by North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, demonstrates the U.S. military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness and commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region. 

A person adjusts equipment for a high-altitude balloon outside under blue skies with a forest behind.
Final Touches
Aerostar engineer Randy Scott secures equipment for a high-altitude balloon from the Malemute Drop Zone during Exercise Arctic Edge 25 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2025. The U.S. Northern Command-led exercise demonstrates joint force readiness in extremely cold weather as well as the military’s commitment to strategic security interests in the Arctic region.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan McElderry
VIRIN: 250804-F-IY281-1855K
A high-altitude balloon rises against a solid blue sky.
Air Up There
A high-altitude balloon rises from the Malemute Drop Zone during Exercise Arctic Edge 25 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2025. The launch was conducted to test the use of hydrogen in high-altitude balloons. The U.S. Northern Command-led exercise demonstrates joint force readiness in extremely cold weather as well as the military’s commitment to strategic security interests in the Arctic region.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan McElderry
VIRIN: 250804-F-IY281-2399Z
The silhouettes of four people are shown around a piece of equipment under blue skies.
Launch Site
Members of Aerostar, an aerospace and defense company, prepare for a high-altitude balloon launch from the Malemute Drop Zone during Exercise Arctic Edge at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2025. The U.S. Northern Command-led exercise demonstrates joint force readiness in extremely cold weather as well as the military’s commitment to strategic security interests in the Arctic region.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan McElderry
VIRIN: 250804-F-IY281-1758K

The launch of a high-altitude balloon from the Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska,  contributed to the exercise's focus on advancing technology and operational readiness in the Arctic's challenging environment.

Marines in red vests and helmets hold service weapons on a concrete dock near the ocean after climbing up from a boat.
Secure the Area
Coast Guardsmen conducted vessel familiarization training with Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in preparation for Exercise Arctic Edge 2025 at Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach, June 5, 2025. The U.S. Northern Command-led exercise demonstrates joint force readiness in extremely cold weather as well as the military’s commitment to strategic security interests in the Arctic region.
Credit: Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Warren
VIRIN: 250605-G-BO784-2640K

The training focused on port operations. Because of strict tide schedules, training was held concurrently. Soldiers completed vessel docking and roll-on/roll-off procedures along with drivers' training, reacting to indirect fire, and loading/unloading operations. 

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Ultimately, the exercise is all about teamwork. Side-by-side, service members sharpen their ability to operate together. When the going gets tough, their bond gets tougher.  

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