Last week, the US Army deployed soldiers to a remote island southeast of Alaska as part of a force protection operation in response to expected increases in Russian and Chinese military exercises in the region. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska four times over the past week during Russian military exercises in the area.
Elements of the 11th Airborne Division, known as the Arctic Angels, were sent to Shemya Island, Alaska on September 12 to demonstrate ready, lethal force in the region. Major General Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, highlighted the division's ability to respond swiftly to events in the Indo-Pacific or globally.
