Interior Alaska News

Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, endorsed the reopening of the Adak Naval Air Station in Alaska during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. His endorsement followed inquiries by Senator Dan Sullivan, who has long advocated for the reactivation of the base as part of broader military enhancements in Alaska.

The Adak station, strategically located in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, boasts three piers, two 8,000-foot runways, a hangar, and substantial fuel storage facilities. A recent visit by a U.S. Navy assessment team underscores growing interest, with Senator Sullivan noting Chinese companies' interest in the area.

General Gregory Guillot of NORTHCOM similarly backed the reopening in February when he addressed the committee. A report outlining the costs of various reopening scenarios is expected soon.

Admiral Paparo confirmed that Adak will play a role in the summer's Northern Edge exercise, a major joint training event. He emphasized the importance of reopening Adak to counter aggressive maneuvers by Russia and China in the region. “It is a further western point which would enable, along with Eareckson, an opportunity to gain time and distance on any force capability that's looking to penetrate," he said.

In the meeting, Senator Sullivan pointed to the strategic importance of Adak, referencing a past statement by the President: “We will ensure Alaska gets increased defense investments as we fully rebuild our military, especially as Russia and China are making menacing moves in the North Pacific."

The Aleut Corporation, owning the land at Adak, is keen on lease negotiations with the U.S. Navy, but Senator Sullivan highlighted concerns about interest from Chinese entities. Admiral Paparo noted, "Imagine having the Belt and Road Initiative include Alaska.”

The urgency of the situation was acknowledged by both Admiral Paparo and Senator Sullivan, with plans to expedite the reopening report and further discussions.