U.S. Soldiers Return After Deployment Amid Russian Military Activity

In this image released by the U.S Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, right, shadows a Russian submarine about 57 miles northwest of Point Hope, Alaska on Sept. 15, 2024. ( U.S Coast Gu

Approximately 130 U.S. soldiers have returned to their bases after being deployed to Shemya Island, a remote Alaska island, with mobile rocket launchers. The deployment involved soldiers from Alaska, Washington, and Hawaii with the 11th Airborne Division and the 1st and 3rd Multi Domain Task Forces. This deployment was in response to a spike in Russian military activity off the western reaches of the U.S.

The deployment coincided with eight Russian military planes and four navy vessels, including two submarines, traveling close to Alaska as part of joint military drills conducted by Russia and China. Despite the proximity of the Russian military activity, none of the planes breached U.S. airspace, and a Pentagon spokesperson reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, emphasized that the deployment to Shemya Island was conducted at the right time. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military planes operating off Alaska over a four-day span, with multiple instances of Russian aircraft entering the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

Russian military activity prompts U.S. response.

130 soldiers return from Shemya Island deployment.

No Russian planes breached U.S. airspace.

Joint Russian-China military drills near Alaska.

The exercise served as a test of the military's readiness to deploy troops and equipment in real-world conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard also monitored Russian military vessels in the region, including submarines, a frigate, and a tugboat, which crossed into U.S. waters to avoid sea ice, in accordance with international rules and customs.

The frequency of Russian airplanes entering the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone has varied, with an increase in instances in recent years. The U.S. military remains vigilant in monitoring and responding to foreign military activities near U.S. borders, ensuring the safety and security of the region.

In a separate incident in 2022, a U.S. Coast Guard ship encountered Chinese and Russian naval vessels sailing in formation near Kiska Island in the Bering Sea, highlighting the ongoing presence of foreign military forces in the region.