Interior Alaska News

In a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), expressed support for reopening the Adak Naval Air Station in Alaska. This recommendation came during an exchange with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, who raised concerns about increasing military incursions by Russian and Chinese forces in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

General Guillot agreed with Senator Sullivan on the need for enhanced military infrastructure in Alaska to address these threats. "I would support Adak for sure for maritime and air access," said Guillot, noting that such facilities would be crucial for search and rescue missions under harsh conditions.

Senator Sullivan emphasized the significance of increased military investments in response to President Trump's executive order, “Iron Dome for America,” and highlighted his collaboration with Senator Kevin Cramer on the IRON DOME Act. The legislation aims to bolster the U.S. homeland missile defense system.

During their discussion, Sullivan pointed out past instances where strategic bombers from Russia and China entered U.S. airspace, requiring extensive intercept missions by U.S. forces. He noted that these operations often involved flying over a thousand miles with multiple air refuelings.

General Guillot committed to working closely with Senator Sullivan on implementing the IRON DOME Act, stating: "You have my full commitment to work with you on the Iron Dome." He also addressed delays in filling newly constructed missile silos in Alaska, promising efforts to expedite defense capabilities as adversaries advance theirs.

The dialogue underscored ongoing concerns about national security and highlighted bipartisan legislative efforts aimed at strengthening defense measures against potential threats from foreign powers.