NCTR Annual Convention Defending the Homeland: The Role of the Alaskan Command A L A S K A N A C O M M N D Lt Gen Howie Chandler Commander, Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and 11th Air Force
Overview The military in Alaska Homeland Security (HLS) Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) Operation NOBLE EAGLE (ONE) Civil Support Success Stories The Way Ahead
Alaska s Size Shemya Los Angeles 1/5 the size of Lower 48 5 times coastline of Lower 48 Anchorage Kansas City Ketchikan Savannah
Strategic Location Alaska is the most central place in the world for aircraft, and that is true either of Europe, Asia or North America. I believe in the future, that he who holds Alaska will hold the world, and I think it is the most important strategic place in the world. Brigadier General Billy Mitchell 13 Feb 1935
Central Position Berlin Moscow China Russia 3,800 3,900 3,600 Beijing Seoul 3,500 North Pole Washington, DC Tokyo 3,400 3,300 ELMENDORF AFB Hawaii Canada 2,200 2,900 2,000 Los Angeles
Military in Alaska Rich Military History Significant Economic Impact Extensive Personal Ties Veterans 55 K Retirees 8 K 5 K Civil Service Active Duty & Coast Guard 18 K 4 K 29 K Guard & Reserve Family Members
Military Infrastructure Army (3) Air Force (7) Navy / Coast Guard (3) Radar sites (18) Galena Clear Ft Wainwright Eielson Ft Greely (DTA) Eareckson King Salmon Kulis Kodiak Ft Richardson Elmendorf Juneau Ketchikan
Military Structure USNORTHCOM NORAD COMPACAF USPACOM US Army Alaska (USARAK) BG Brown US Air Force Alaska (11AF) US Navy Alaska (USCG D17) RADM Underwood
Alaskan Command (ALCOM) Mission Integrate military activities within Alaska to maximize the readiness of theater forces Expedite deployment of forces from and through Alaska in support of worldwide contingencies Serve as the joint task force (JTF) headquarters for protection of critical infrastructure and coordination of military assistance to civilian authorities (MACA).
HLS Definitions Homeland Security is the comprehensive national strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats or attacks. Homeland Defense is the protection of US territory, domestic population, and critical infrastructure against adversary attacks emanating from outside the United States Civil Support is the use of military resources in support of civil authorities. Military Assistance to Civil Authorities (MACA) Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA)
Homeland Security (HLS) Concept We will employ the full range of capabilities to provide homeland security to prevent, protect, and respond to threats against the United States and its territories. But We have to think differently The enemy who appeared on Sept. 11 seeks to avoid our strengths and constantly searches for our weaknesses. So America is required once again to change the way our military thinks and fights. - President Bush, 12 December 2001
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Operation ENDURING FREEDOM refers to US military operations against terrorism outside" the United States Defeated the Taliban, but OEF is a marathon, not a sprint Small number of Alaskan military personnel, with specific specialties, deployed to support OEF Approximately 125 currently deployed from Alaska Main focus for our forces is to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region 3 AEG deployed from Elmendorf to Korea Oct 01 Dec 01
Operation NOBLE EAGLE Operation NOBLE EAGLE refers to US military operations associated with Homeland Defense and military support to federal, state and local governments Provide for defense of US, territories, and possessions Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) & North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Share responsibility for CONUS Alaskan Command under USNORTHCOM for HLS/HLD We are engaged in military operations when we re defending the airspace of the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz
ND A LA A SKA N OMM C NORTH AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENSE (NORAD) ANR CANR 3 NORAD Regions perform the Air Defense Mission: CONR Canadian (CANR) CONUS (CONR) Alaska (ANR) Pre 99-11 -11 Focus: Focus: Looking Looking outward
Operation NOBLE EAGLE Highlights > 22,500 sorties > 46,000 hours flown > 98% missions flown by AF > 5,550 air refueling missions > 1,250 airborne early warning (AEW) missions Total Force Active Duty, ANG and Reserve mix NATO AEW -- 290 Sorties and 3,400 Hours 24% of requirement E-3 AWACS
AK / CONUS Defense Status Enhanced commercial airport and aircraft security Improved interior radar surveillance and communication Working on: Comprehensive radio and radar coverage Common Operational Picture Five Air Defense levels Combat Air Patrols population centers, nuclear and chemical sites, special events, presidential support, random Responsive fighter, airborne electronic surveillance, tanker, & C-130 alert sites throughout CONUS & Alaska Ground-based mobile radar units
Civil Support ALASKAN Requirements Full Spectrum Pre-Disaster Event Consequence Management Proactive when military planning and capabilities can help Expanded community exercises and exchanges Reactive when communities, states, or the nation requires Medics, security, civil engineers Special capabilities
Alaska National Guard ALASKAN
Interagency Cooperation ALASKAN
Critical Alaskan Infrastructure Gas & Oil (Production, Storage and Transportation) Telecommunications Electrical Power Systems Banking & Finance Transportation Water Supply Systems Emergency Services Continuity of Government Services
Alyeska Pipeline Marine Terminal Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE (BMD)
HLS Way Ahead Improved defensive posture Airport and aircraft security measures Adequate radar and comm coverage throughout CONUS & Alaska Common Operational Picture between NORAD and FAA Intelligence fusion Develop missile defense operational concepts as appropriate Support development of the North American Homeland Security Mission NORTHCOM and NORAD Joint and interagency interoperability Real-time, continuous threat assessment Define and provide adequate resources Streamlined civil response and support If We Work as a Team, We Will Prevail
Homeland Defense: The Role of Alaskan Command