Legislature(2001 - 2002)
01/30/2001 01:38 PM Senate ASC
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 30, 2001
1:38 p.m.
SENATE MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Randy Phillips
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Drue Pearce
Senator Bettye Davis
SENATE MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Alan Austerman
HOUSE MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Eldon Mulder, Co-Chair
Representative Lisa Murkowski
Representative John Harris
Representative Jeannette James
Representative Bill Hudson
HOUSE MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Reggie Joule
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Address by Lieutenant General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF Commander,
Alaska Command
WITNESS REGISTER
Lt. General Norton A. Schwartz
Commander's office
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska 99506
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave presentation to joint committee.
Alex Spector, Director
Department of Veterans Affairs, Alaska Region
2925 DeBarr Road
Anchorage, AK 99508
POSITION STATEMENT: Discussed veterans' affairs in Alaska.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 01-1, SIDE A
Number 001
CO-CHAIR ELDON MULDER called the Joint Armed Services Committee
meeting to order at 1:38 p.m. Present were Senators Phillips,
Leman, Pearce, Davis, Co-Chair Wilken and Representatives
Murkowski, Harris, James, Hudson and, Co-Chair Mulder. Also in
attendance were Senators Halford and Kelly and Representatives
Cissna, Chenault, Fate, Coghill, Green, and Bunde.
CO-CHAIR MULDER said that the purpose of the meeting is to hear the
address by Lt. General Norton Schwartz, Commander of Alaskan
Command, Commander of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense
Command Region and Commander of Eleventh Air Force, all
headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
General Schwartz is a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy
and has commanded special operations forces at every echelon. He
has served four tours in the Pentagon and, prior to assuming his
current position, he was the deputy commander in chief, U.S.
Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
General Schwartz is a command pilot with more than 4,200 flight
hours and has flown both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. He is also
a jump-qualified parachutist.
His major awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished
Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion
of Merit.
CO-CHAIR MULDER welcomed General Schwartz to the Joint Armed
Services Committee.
GENERAL NORTON SCHWARTZ thanked the legislature for the invitation
to speak. He delivered the following address.
COMALCOM'S PRESENTATION TO THE
ALASKA LEGISLATURE
30 JANUARY 2001
· THIS IS A TRULY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY. NOWHERE ELSE IN THE
UNITED STATES WOULD AN ACTIVE DUTY, MILITARY COMMANDER DISCUSS
ISSUES OF SHARED CONCERN WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE. THIS IS
INDICATIVE OF THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WE SHARE IN THE GREAT
STATE OF ALASKA AND YOUR SUPPORT OF THE ARMED FORCES.
· YOUR WARM WELCOME RE-ENFORCES WHAT I HEARD LONG BEFORE SUZIE
AND I ARRIVED IN ALASKA, AND HAVE EXPERIENCED FROM THE DAY WE
GOT HERE-THAT ALASKANS ARE, BY FAR, THE FRIENDLIEST GROUP OF
PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET.
· AS I PREPARED FOR TODAY, I GAVE A LOT OF THOUGHT TO WHAT I
SHOULD SAY. I WANTED TO ENSURE THAT I COVERED TOPICS OF
INTEREST TO YOU, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SOMETHING THAT IS
RELEVANT TO YOUR JOBS AS ELECTED OFFICIALS, POSITIONS OF GREAT
TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY.
· SO THE QUESTION I ASKED MYSELF WAS, "WHAT CAN I TELL YOU ABOUT
THE MILITARY THAT WOULD HELP YOU?" AND THE ANSWER IS
ENGAGEMENT. IT'S HOW ALASKA'S MILITARY IS ENGAGED THROUGHOUT
THE STATE AND AROUND THE WORLD--NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. AND I
WILL RECOMMEND AN ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR YOU THAT OUGHT TO
BENEFIT YOUR DISTRICTS AND YOUR CONSTITUENTS.
· TODAY, I'LL GIVE YOU A BRIEF LOOK AT THE WORLD SITUATION
HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE PACIFIC
REGION. AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT HOW ALASKA FORCES ARE ENGAGED
AROUND THE WORLD. AFTER THAT I'LL TALK ABOUT WHERE WE ARE
HEADED-OUR VISION FOR ALASKA IF YOU WILL-AND THEN SUGGEST A
GAME PLAN OF HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED.
· BUT BEFORE I GET TO THAT, IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE OPERATE.
CHANGING WORLD / THREAT
· DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS WE HAVE ALL WITNESSED DRAMATIC
CHANGES IN THE WORLD. THE DAYS WHEN THE UNITED STATES AND
RUSSIA WERE THE WORLD'S SUPERPOWERS ARE GONE, AND DEMOCRACY
CONTINUES TO SPREAD…FOR NOW. BUT….THE WORLD IS IN MANY WAYS,
LESS STABLE AND MORE VOLATILE THAN IT WAS.
NORTH/SOUTH KOREA
· THE MOST DANGEROUS BORDER IN THE WORLD CONTINUES TO BE NORTH
AND SOUTH KOREA, ALTHOUGH RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO KOREAS ARE
IMPROVING.
· VISITS BY SOUTH KOREAN AND U.S. OFFICIALS HAVE HELPED EASE
TENSIONS AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO LOWER THE POTENTIAL FOR WAR ON
THE PENINSULA.
· AND WHILE COMPLETE RECONCILIATION OF THE TWO COUNTRIES IS A
POSSIBILITY IN THE LONGER TERM, THE PENINSULA WILL REMAIN A
MAJOR CONCERN DUE IT ITS HISTORY AND THE NORTH KOREAN'S VERY
REAL MILITARY CAPABILITIES.
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
· LOOKING A LITTLE FURTHER WEST, THE INDIA AND PAKISTAN
CONFRONTATION PERSISTS.
· RECENT REPORTS CONFIRM THAT GUERRILLA ATTACKS IN KASHMIR AND
INDIA'S BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAM CONTINUE. SUBSTANTIVE
NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES REMAIN ELUSIVE.
· ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN TWO NUCLEAR-ARMED COUNTRIES DEMAND OUR
ATTENTION-AND THIS ONE CERTAINLY QUALIFIES. IF THERE IS ONE
RELATIONSHIP THAT COMPETES WITH THE MIDDLE EAST FOR
VOLATILITY, THIS IS IT.
CHINA AND TAIWAN
· MOVING ON TO CHINA AND TAIWAN…THE RHETORIC AND INTENSITY HAVE
COOLED SINCE THE TAIWANESE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS LATE LAST
YEAR. CHINA STILL MAINTAINS THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE CHINA AND
THAT THERE WILL BE THE EVENTUAL REUNIFICATION OF TAIWAN AND
THE MAINLAND.
· OUR CURRENT ASSESSMENT IS THAT CHINA WILL REMAIN PATIENT AS
LONG AS TAIWAN MAKES NO OVERT, PROVOCATIVE MOVES TO
PERMANENTLY SEPARATE ITSELF FROM THE MAINLAND.
· CHINA HAS A STAKE IN MAINTAINING REGIONAL STABILITY BECAUSE IT
IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEIR GROWING ECONOMY AND EFFORTS TO BECOME A
MAJOR PLAYER IN WORLD TRADE.
GENERAL INSTABILITY IN PACIFIC REGION NATIONS
· COUP ATTEMPTS IN FIJI, INSURRECTION IN THE PHILIPPINES, THE
ONGOING CRISES IN INDONESIA AND THE POTENTIAL SPREAD OF
RADICAL REGIMES COULD BRING INSTABILITY TO OUR DOORSTEP.
· ALL THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CREATE SITUATIONS WHERE THE
UNITED NATIONS, THE UNITED STATES, OR OUR ALLIES IN THE
PACIFIC WOULD HAVE TO RESPOND.
· IN ADDITION TO THESE VOLATILE AREAS, THE PROLIFERATION OF
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IS ALSO OF CONTINUING CONCERN.
· IN A REPORT ISSUED JUST TWO WEEKS AGO, FORMER SECRETARY OF
DEFENSE COHEN STATES:
"OUR UNRIVALED SUPREMACY IN THE CONVENTIONAL MILITARY ARENA IS
PROMPTING OUR ADVERSARIES TO SEEK UNCONVENTIONAL, ASYMMETRIC
MEANS TO STRIKE WHAT THEY PERCEIVE AS OUR ACHILLES HEEL."
· HERE'S AN INTERESTING FACT…THERE ARE AT LEAST 25 COUNTRIES
THAT NOW POSSESS, OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING AND
DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES TO INFLICT MASS CASUALTIES AND
DESTRUCTION: NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL (NBC) WEAPONS OR
THE MEANS TO DELIVER THEM. NORTH KOREA, IRAN, IRAQ AND LIBYA
ARE AMONG THESE COUNTRIES.
· IT IS ALSO CLEAR THAT MORE "STYLELIZED" THREATS ARE EMERGING,
REQUIRING INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED RESPONSES ON OUR PART.
THE TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST THE USS COLE IN YEMEN, CONTINUED
TENSIONS IN THE BALKANS AND THE ONGOING MISSIONS IN IRAQ
ENFORCING THE NO-FLY ZONE ARE CASES IN POINT.
· BY AND LARGE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THE WORLD IS
CHANGING AND DIFFERENT THREATS ARE EMERGING. THEY RECOGNIZE
THE NEED TO ENSURE THE UNITED STATES IS CAPABLE OF DEALING
WITH THE BREADTH OF THESE POTENTIAL THREATS.
· HISTORY PROVES THAT PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED IS PRUDENT.
IRAQ HAS USED CHEMICAL WEAPONS AGAINST IRAN AND ITS OWN
PEOPLE. THOSE BEHIND THE WORLD TRADE CENTER BOMBING WERE ALSO
PURSUING THE WHEREWITHAL FOR A CHEMICAL WEAPON THAT COULD HAVE
KILLED THOUSANDS.
· IN SHORT, WE MUST BE PREPARED TO RESPOND TO ANY THREAT AGAINST
OUR CITIZENS AND OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS…AND WE ARE.
· THAT'S A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE THREATS IN THE PACIFIC REGION.
CLOSER TO HOME, LET'S LOOK AT YOUR MILITARY IN ALASKA TODAY --
WHO WE ARE, AND WHAT WE DO.
· YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED I SAID "YOUR" MILITARY. THAT'S BECAUSE
THESE PROFESSIONAL AND DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN DON'T WORK JUST
FOR ME. THEY SERVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU… AND ALL OF
YOUR CONSTITUENTS. IN ESSENCE, YOU ARE THE BENEFICIARIES OF
OUR SERVICE AND THEY ARE YOUR ARMED FORCES.
MILITARY IMPACT ON ALASKA
· WITH 20,OOO ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVE AND GUARD TROOPS SERVING IN
ALASKA, THE MILITARY IS THE SINGLE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE
STATE.
· ADD THE NEARLY 30,000 FAMILY MEMBERS, 8,000 RETIREES, 5,000
CIVIL SERVANTS AND 55,000 VETERANS AND YOUR LOOKING AT A
CONSIDERABLE SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION. WHAT YOU MAY NOT
REALIZE IS HOW THAT TRANSLATES INTO DOLLARS AND CENTS.
· IN FACT, THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BRINGS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT
OF FUNDS TO THE STATE-MORE THAN ONE BILLION DOLLARS IS IN
MILITARY PAYROLL ALONE.
· LET ME GIVE YOU SOME SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF OTHER WAYS THE
MILITARY BOOSTS THE ALASKA ECONOMY…
· LAST YEAR IN SITKA, WE CONTRACTED FOR MORE THAN A HALF MILLION
DOLLARS IN SERVICES DURING NORTHERN EDGE, OUR PREMIER, JOINT
TRAINING EXERCISE --A REAL BOON FOR THAT COMMUNITY. THIS
YEAR, THE MARITIME PORTION OF NORTHERN EDGE WILL TAKE PLACE IN
KETCHIKAN IN MARCH.
o WHILE WE ARE ON THE SUBJECT, I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS
OPPORTUNITY TO INVITE YOU ALL TO OBSERVE THIS PORTION OF
NORTHERN EDGE DURING OUR "VIP DAY" SCHEDULED FOR MARCH
21. WE'LL GET THE PARTICULARS TO YOU LATER, BUT I JUST
WANT TO MENTION IT NOW FOR PLANNING PURPOSES. I HOPE
YOUR SCHEDULE WILL PERMIT YOUR ATTENDANCE…IT WILL BE A
DAY WELL SPENT!
· IN FAIRBANKS, PACIFIC AIR FORCE CONDUCTS AN EXERCISE KNOWN AS
"COPE THUNDER," WHICH IS HELD UP TO FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THIS
REALISTIC, 10-DAY AIR COMBAT TRAINING EXERCISE CHALLENGES
AIRCREWS IN EVERY CONCEIVABLE WAY.
· GENERALLY SPEAKING, IN A PERIOD OF 60 DAYS TOTAL TRAINING,
ABOUT $2 MILLION DOLLARS MAKES ITS WAY INTO THE NORTH
POLE/FAIRBANKS COMMUNITIES. AND LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 2,000
PEOPLE DEPLOYED TO COPE THUNDER FACILITIES IN THE FAIRBANKS
AREA.
· BUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALASKA IS MUCH MORE THAN THE
FINANCIAL. WE HAVE A RICH HERITAGE TOGETHER.
· IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING, WE'VE GROWN UP TOGETHER. IN FACT,
ONE IN FIVE ALASKANS HAS SOME SORT OF MILITARY TIE-WHETHER
IT'S A VETERAN, FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND. IN THE ANCHORAGE
BOWL THAT RATIO CLIMBS TO ONE IN THREE.
· AND IT'S PROBABLY NO SURPRISE TO YOU THAT ALASKA IS ONE OF THE
MOST SOUGHT AFTER ASSIGNMENTS IN THE MILITARY.
· AS I MENTIONED, A SIZEABLE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO SERVE HERE
CHOOSE TO REMAIN…OR RETURN TO ALASKA AFTER THEIR MILITARY
CAREER. THESE WELL-TRAINED, HIGHLY SKILLED CITIZENS THEN GO
ON TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORS IN A DIFFERENT
MANNER.
o SOME NOTABLE EXAMPLES…
o MANY OF YOU KNOW MARK HAMILTON, THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA. MARK IS A PROVEN LEADER WHO HAS
MADE AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
TO EDUCATION IN ALASKA. HE IS ALSO A RETIRED, ARMY MAJOR
GENERAL
o AND AS YOU WELL KNOW, FORMER GOVERNOR BILL SHEFFIELD IS
RETIRING AS PRESIDENT OF ALASKA RAILROAD. RETIRING
GENERAL PAT GAMBLE, WHO IS COMMANDER OF ALL PACIFIC AIR
FORCES, HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO SUCCEED HIM.
o AND ANCHORAGE MAYOR GEORGE WEURCH, IS A DECORATED MARINE
CORP RETIRED OFFICER.
o OF COURSE THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF OTHER EXAMPLES, BUT I
THINK YOU GET WHAT I'M DRIVING AT.
· SO THAT'S WHO WE ARE- AND I GUARANTEE YOU THAT SOME OF THE
118,000 PEOPLE I JUST TALKED ABOUT LIVE IN YOUR DISTRICT.
CLEARLY, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A MUTUAL CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE
OF ALASKA.
· LET ME TURN NOW TO WHAT YOUR MILITARY IS DOING TODAY…AND LAST
MONTH WAS PARTICULARLY BUSY:
· THE AIR FORCE DEPLOYED AIRCRAFT AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL FROM THE
19TH FIGHTER SQUADRON AT ELMENDORF AFB TO KEFLAVICK, ICELAND,
AS PART OF THE REGULAR AEROSPACE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE-OR "AEF"-
ROTATION. THEY ARE DUE BACK IN MARCH.
· AND PEOPLE AND JETS FROM THE 12TH FIGHTER SQUADRON LEFT FOR
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY, IN SUPPORT OF NORTHERN WATCH TO
ENFORCE THE NO-FLY ZONE OVER NORTHERN IRAQ.
· AND ASSETS FROM THROUGHOUT THE STATE TEAMED UP WITH ALASKA
NORAD REGION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION NORTHERN DENIAL --WITH
FORCES DEPLOYING TO OUR FORWARD OPERATING LOCATIONS IN GALENA
AND KING SALMON ENSURING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ALASKAN AIR SPACE.
THIS WAS IN RESPONSE TO RUSSIA CONDUCTING LONG-RANGE AVIATION
TRAINING WITH THEIR BOMBER FORCE IN NORTHERN SIBERIA.
· ON THE ARMY SIDE OF THE HOUSE, UNITED STATES ARMY ALASKA IS
SUPPORTING DEPLOYMENTS TO BOSNIA, SARAJEVO, AND EAST TIMOR.
AND THEY HAVE MORE THAN A DOZEN SOLDIERS FROM CHARLIE COMPANY,
TH
84 ENGINEER BATTALION, ON KOSRAE ISLAND IN THE WESTERN
PACIFIC, INVOLVED IN THE CINC'S EXPANDED RELATIONS PROGRAM.
THEIR MISSION IS TO HELP REPAIR CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE.
· AND THE ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD… I KNOW MAJOR GENERAL PHIL OATES
TALKED WITH MANY OF YOU ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES OF HIS FOLKS, BUT
TH
I'D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE 210 RESCUE
SQUADRON, WHICH WRAPPED UP LAST FISCAL YEAR WITH 78 TOTAL
MISSIONS, 66 LIVES SAVED AND 20 ASSISTS. THE RESCUE
COORDINATION CENTER ORCHESTRATED MORE THAN 200 SEARCHES AND
SAVED 117 LIVES OVERALL.
· AND OF COURSE THE COAST GUARD…ALASKA'S NAVAL COMPONENT,
HEADQUARTERED RIGHT HERE IN JUNEAU MAINTAINS AN OPERATIONS
TEMPO THAT IS EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE. AS THE GUARDIANS OF
ALASKA'S WATERWAYS THEY SAVED A LIFE EVERY 36 HOURS --
AVERAGING MORE THAN TWO SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS A DAY--AND
SECURED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY.
· FROM A STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE, WE IN ALASKAN COMMAND FOCUS ON
BEING READY FOR CONTINGENCIES AS WELL AS THE DAY-TO-DAY
MISSIONS AND THIS INCLUDES THROUGHPUT AND MILITARY SUPPORT TO
CIVIL AUTHORITIES.
THROUGHPUT
· BY THROUGHPUT I MEAN EXPEDITING THE DEPLOYMENT OF FORCES FROM
AND THROUGH ALASKA IN SUPPORT OF WORLDWIDE CONTINGENCIES. IN
OTHER WORDS, WE WOULD SERVE AS A LOGISTICAL HUB IN THE
MOVEMENT OF TROOPS AND RESOURCES.
· OUR OBLIGATION FOR THIS MISSION REVOLVES AROUND
INFRASTRUCTURE-TO MAKE SURE IT'S A WELL-OILED MACHINE. THIS
MEANS FINDING EFFICIENCIES IN EVERY AREA RANGING FROM FUEL
ACQUISITION, TRANSPORT, AND STORAGE TO HOW THE CIVIL RESERVE
AIR FLEET (CRAF) IS SUPPORTED AT THE TED STEVENS INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES
· MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES IS ABOUT SERVING OUR
FELLOW ALASKANS DURING EMERGENCIES.
· NATURAL DISASTERS, TERRORIST ACTS AND OTHER CRISES CAN CREATE
HAVOC AND CHAOS THAT CAN OVERWHELM LOCAL AND STATE
CAPABILITIES.
· AND WHILE WE ARE NOT THE FIRST RESPONDERS, WE WILL WORK
CLOSELY WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES TO LEND A HAND. I
WANT TO ASSURE YOU, THIS IS A MAJOR OBLIGATION AND IT IS ONE
WE TAKE SERIOUSLY.
NORTHERN EDGE
· I ALLUDED TO NORTHERN EDGE EARLIER. EACH YEAR THIS EXERCISE
CHALLENGES THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN, MARINES AND
COASTGUARDSMEN AS THEY HONE THEIR WAR FIGHTING SKILLS AND
IMPROVE UNIT READINESS.
· NORTHERN EDGE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR AWHILE, IN DIFFERENT FORMS
AND UNDER DIFFERENT NAMES. IN FACT, EARLIER IN MY CAREER, I
PARTICIPATED IN WHAT WAS THEN CALLED "BRIM FROST," AS A
SQUADRON COMMANDER. THE REASON I SHARE THAT IS BECAUSE,
BASED ON RECENT BUDGET DECISIONS, THE EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE
WELL INTO THE FUTURE.
· OUR FOCUS WILL CHANGE OVER TIME AS EACH OF THE FORCES BECOMES
MORE EXPEDITIONARY AND WE TRAIN TO BEST SUPPORT PACIFIC
COMMAND'S EMERGING OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
OPERATION ALASKA ROAD
· IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA WE ARE THE EXECUTIVE AGENT FOR OPERATION
ALASKAN ROAD, ONE OF DOD'S LARGEST INNOVATIVE READINESS
TRAINING PROGRAM ACTIVITIES-TO THE TUNE OF $12.5 MILLION
DOLLARS ANNUALLY.
· WE ARE BUILDING A 14-MILE MAIN SUPPLY ROUTE ON ANNETTE ISLAND
BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF METLAKATLA AND THE PROPOSED NEW FERRY
TERMINAL. AND IN THE PROCESS SERVICE MEMBERS, MANY OF THEM
FROM RESERVE COMPONENTS OUTSIDE OF ALASKA, ARE RECEIVING
UNPRECEDENTED TRAINING THAT DIRECTLY IMPROVES THEIR COMBAT
READINESS.
· ABSENT A HICCUP IN FUNDING, THIS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE UNTIL
WE COMPLETE OUR PORTION OF THE PROJECT IN ABOUT FIVE YEARS.
ARCTIC SAREX
· FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS, ALASKAN COMMAND HAS PARTICIPATED IN
A COMBINED SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE WITH RUSSIA AND CANADA.
· IN AUGUST, A DELEGATION OF 14 MILITARY PROFESSIONALS FROM THE
ACTIVE DUTY, GUARD AND RESERVE TRAVELED TO SAINT PETERSBURG,
RUSSIA, TO PARTICIPATE IN ARCTIC SAREX.
· THE THREE COUNTRIES HAVE MUTUAL INTEREST IN ARCTIC SEARCH AND
RESCUE AS WE ALL EXPERIENCE THE SAME HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH
LIFE IN THE NORTHERN POLAR REGION OF THE WORLD.
· DURING THE EXERCISE WE SHARED INFORMATION ABOUT RESCUE
PROCEDURES IN AN AUSTERE AND CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT, AND IN
THE PROCESS LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT EACH OTHER'S
CAPABILITIES.
· THIS YEAR, AS IN 1997, ARCTIC SAREX WILL TAKE PLACE IN ALASKA
AND WE WILL HOST OUR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS ONCE AGAIN.
· SO THERE YOU HAVE IT. THAT'S A QUICK GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOUR
ALASKAN MILITARY IS DOING. THAT'S A LOOK AT TODAY, BUT WE ARE
ALSO LOOKING FORWARD…WHERE WE SHARE MUTUAL INTERESTS IN OUR
PROGRESS.
· LAND MOBILE RADIO
· IN 1997 ALASKAN COMMAND ENGAGED IN A COOPERATIVE EFFORT WITH
THE STATE AND THE ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE TO DEVELOP AND
IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY
BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDERS,
THAT WOULD RESOLVE THE PERSISTENT INABILITY TO COMMUNICATE
EFFECTIVELY IN EMERGENCIES.
· THE COOPERATIVE'S FINAL GOAL IS FOR LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL
OFFICIALS TO USE ONE RADIO SYSTEM THAT CAN TALK WITH EACH
OTHER WHEN THEY WORK TOGETHER IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS.
IT WILL ALSO HELP REDUCE EACH AGENCY'S SYSTEM'S COSTS BY
SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE
· THIS EFFORT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND AND, AS SUCH, WE ARE
TURNING NEW GROUND. I AM CONFIDENT WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR GOAL
OF A SEAMLESS INTEROPERABLE SYSTEM, ULTIMATELY SAVING LIVES
AND PROPERTY.
· THAT GIVES YOU SOME IDEA OF THE CURRENT, DAY-TO-DAY ACTIONS
INVOLVING YOUR MILITARY IN ALASKA. BUT, NEW CHALLENGES,
IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES DEMAND OUR
ATTENTION AS ALL OF US PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE.
MODERNIZATION
· WE MUST MAKE SURE ALASKAN BASED FORCES REMAIN AT THE FOREFRONT
OF READINESS. TO DO THAT WE ARE STAYING ENGAGED ON MAJOR DOD
MODERNIZATION PROGRAMS.
· AMONG THE THINGS WE ARE FOLLOWING ARE THE AIR FORCE'S
MODERNIZATION EFFORTS--THE F-22, C-17 AND JOINT STRIKE
FIGHTER; THE ARMY'S FIELDING OF A MEDIUM WEIGHT FORCE; AND OF
COURSE NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE.
· ALLOW ME TO TOUCH ON EACH OF THESE BRIEFLY…
· THE F-22 RAPTOR-IT'S A STEALTHY, HIGH PERFORMANCE, TOP-OF-THE-
LINE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT WHICH WILL REPLACE THE F-15. BY THE
TIME WE GET OUR FIRST WINGS OF F-22S ON BOARD, THE AVERAGE AGE
OF THE F-15 WILL BE 25 YEARS.
· THE F-22 IS BUILT FOR THE THREAT OF THE FUTURE AND WILL ENSURE
AIR SUPREMACY AND FREEDOM OF ACTION ON THE BATTLEFIELD FOR AT
LEAST THE NEXT 30 YEARS.
· OUR STRATEGIC AIRLIFT CAPABILITY IS UNDER RESOURCED.
PROCUREMENT OF ADDITIONAL C-17 GLOBEMASTERS WILL ALLEVIATE
THAT SHORTCOMING, AND PROVIDES THE MEANS TO RAPIDLY MOVE
TROOPS AND EQUIPMENT AROUND THE GLOBE.
· THE AIR FORCE'S AGING CARGO FLEET IS PLACING INCREASING
DEMANDS ON OUR MAINTAINERS. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WE DO NOT
CURRENTLY HAVE SUFFICIENT ASSETS TO DO THE JOB OF ASSURING THE
STRATEGIC RESPONSIVENESS OF U.S. FORCES, NOR DO THEY MEET
RELIABILITY STANDARDS.
· THE C-17, WITH ITS LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND VERY
SUBSTANTIAL LIFT CAPABILITIES IS THE SOLUTION.
· JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER -THE JSF PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE A HIGHLY
CAPABLE, AFFORDABLE STRIKE FIGHTER FOR THE U.S. AIR FORCE,
MARINE CORPS AND NAVY AS WELL AS OUR ALLIES. WITH ITS SHORT
TAKE OFF AND VERTICAL LANDING AND OTHER FEATURES, IT OFFERS
IMMENSE CAPABILITY AND VERSATILITY FOR THE SERVICES AND OUR
ALLIES AND WOULD REPLACE THE F-16 AIRCRAFT NOW ASSIGNED AT
EIELSON.
· SWITCHING TO GROUND FORCES…THE ARMY'S TRANSITION TO A MORE
MOBILE, RESPONSIVE, MEDIUM FORCE IS IMMINENT.
· THEY HAVE THE WORLD'S FINEST LIGHT INFANTRY, BUT IT LACKS THE
ADEQUATE LETHALITY, SURVIVABILITY AND MOBILITY ONCE IN
THEATER. HEAVY FORCES ARE LETHAL AND SURVIVABLE, BUT THEY ARE
DIFFICULT TO DEPLOY QUICKLY. THE ARMY IS WORKING TO CHANGE
THAT.
· THIS NEW, OBJECTIVE FORCE WILL PROVIDE THEATER COMMANDERS A
JOINT FORCE THAT CAN RESPOND QUICKLY AND PREVAIL ACROSS THE
SPECTRUM OF OPERATIONS.
NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE
· EARLIER, I SPOKE ABOUT THE PROLIFERATION OF BALLISTIC MISSILE
TECHNOLOGY. I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS NMD FOR A MINUTE AND TELL YOU
WHERE IT STANDS.
· RIGHT NOW WE ARE AWAITING A DEPLOYMENT DECISION FROM THE NEW
ADMINISTRATION, AND AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW THEY WILL CONSIDER
SUCH THINGS AS THE THREAT, COST, TREATY IMPLICATIONS AND
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY IN MAKING THAT DECISION.
· CLEARLY, IF THE INTENTION IS TO PROTECT ALL 50 STATES THEN
ALASKA WILL BE A PLAYER IN SOME FORM. IT HAS TO, BASED ON
PURE PHYSICS.
· LAST SEPTEMBER, THE PRESIDENTIAL DECISION SPECIFIED THAT
DEPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN X-
BAND RADAR AT SHEMYA ISLAND, WOULD NOT BE AUTHORIZED UNTIL
EFFECTIVENESS IS DEMONSTRATED IN THE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
ASPECTS OF THE NMD PROGRAM, AND IN ACTUAL INTERCEPT TESTING.
· THE PRESIDENT DID AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF A ROBUST
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING PROGRAM TO VALIDATE THE NMD
TECHNOLOGY, AND CONGRESS SUPPORTED THAT MANDATE.
· IN DECEMBER, THE BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION'S
NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE AWARDED A
RESTRUCTURED COST-PLUS-AWARD-FEE CONTRACT TO THE BOEING
COMPANY FOR CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL MISSILE
DEFENSE SYSTEM.
· IF A NEAR TERM DECISION IS MADE TO DEPLOY A LAND-BASED NMD
SYSTEM THE INITIAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY WILL LIKELY BE IN
2005 OR 2006.
· THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WE ARE STANDING BY TO ASSIST THE
PROJECT OFFICE AND IMPLEMENT THE CIVILIAN LEADERSHIP'S
DECISION ON THE TIME LINE THEY SPECIFY.
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE COMMISSION
· I KNOW THE SUBJECT OF "BRAC," OR BASE REALIGNMENT AND
CLOSURE, IS ON A LOT OF PEOPLE'S MINDS.
· YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A NECESSARY THING, SORELY
NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
· HERE'S WHY … THERE ARE ABOUT ONE POINT FOUR (1.4) MILLION
PEOPLE SERVING IN THE MILITARY TODAY, DOWN FROM ALMOST 2.1
MILLION 10 YEARS AGO.
· THE FORCE IS ABOUT ONE THIRD SMALLER THAN IT WAS A DECADE AGO
AND YET THERE WAS NOT A CORRESPONDING REDUCTION IN
INFRASTRUCTURE.
· THE RESULT IS WE HAVE AIR BASES WITHOUT AIRPLANES, SHIP DOCKS
WITH NO SHIPS, AND SO ON. AS BUSINESS PEOPLE YOU CAN
APPRECIATE THAT EXCESS OVERHEAD CONSUMES RESOURCES THAT COULD
BE BETTER USED ELSEWHERE.
· WE COULD INVEST THE SAVINGS IN CRITICAL NEED AREAS SUCH AS
TRAINING, QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVES AND FACILITIES.
· THE QUESTION I AM OFTEN ASKED IS, "IS ALASKA VULNERABLE? AND
THE ANSWER IS THE STATE IS CLEARLY NOT IMMUNE, BUT…. WE CAN
AND WILL MAKE A COMPELLING ARGUMENT FOR THE INSTALLATIONS AND
MISSIONS HERE.
· AS YOU WELL KNOW, ALASKA HAS A LOT TO OFFER, AND WE CAN MAKE A
STRONG CASE. I THINK THE COMMISSION WOULD RECOGNIZE-AS THE
DOD ALREADY DOES-ALASKA'S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE AND ITS LONG
TERM POTENTIAL FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENSE.
· AND REGARDLESS OF YOUR FEELING ABOUT BRAC, YOU MUST
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT UNNEEDED INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS THE DOD
DIVERTS THE RESOURCES WE NEED TO SUPPORT ENDURING
INSTALLATIONS. AND I WOULD ASK ALL OF YOU TO SUPPORT DOD'S
REQUEST FOR CONTINUING BRAC LEGISLATION.
· LET ME CONCLUDE WITH TWO OR THREE ITEMS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
NATIVE RELATIONS
· WHEN DEALING WITH NATIVE RELATIONS, ALASKAN COMMAND FOLLOWS
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE'S ALASKA NATIVE POLICY AND HAS DONE
SO FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
· MEETING THE GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT
IS OUR MANDATE. AND WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS.
· WE ARE WORKING INITIATIVES THAT:
· BETTER ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN OUR LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS THAT
ARE SO IMPORTANT TO SUCCESS, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING A FULL-
TIME, CIVILIAN LIAISON POSITION.
· AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE AGGRESSIVELY ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL
OVERSIGHTS OF THE PAST. AND WE'RE WORKING OPENLY AND CANDIDLY
WITH COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
EDUCATION IN ALASKA
· SPEAKING OF THE FUTURE, I AM SURE YOU WOULD AGREE THAT THE
FUTURE OF OUR NATION IS IN THE HANDS OF OUR CHILDREN. IN THE
MILITARY, WE HAVE A SAYING, "WE RECRUIT SOLDIERS, BUT RETAIN
FAMILIES." CLEARLY WE IN ALASKAN COMMAND MUST PLAY AN ACTIVE
ROLE IN SUPPORT OF OUR FAMILIES.
· THIS WEEKEND, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE PARENT -TEACHERS
ASSOCIATION AND THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WE ARE
HOSTING A "MILITARY EDUCATION FORUM" IN ANCHORAGE TO ADDRESS
ISSUES AND CONCERNS OF MILITARY PARENTS.
· KIDS DESERVE THE BEST IN EDUCATION …
o A BALANCED AND VALUABLE CURRICULUM
o HIGH, BUT ATTAINABLE STANDARDS
o AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL AND PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION
· ALL OF WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR VALUE AS CITIZENS AND
FUTURE LEADERS.
· JUST AS ALASKA IS A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CHILDREN HAVE
UNIQUE CONCERNS, IN LARGE PART IT IS DUE TO THE FREQUENT
RELOCATION OF THEIR PARENTS.
· AMONG THEIR CONCERNS ARE TRANSFERS OF CREDITS BETWEEN SCHOOLS,
GRADING SYSTEMS, GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, AND ELIGIBILITY FOR
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
· THE POINT I WANT TO MAKE IS THAT STATE AND LOCAL DECISIONS IN
EDUCATION MUST CONSIDER THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF MILITARY
CHILDREN, JUST AS YOU MUST FOR THE LARGER COMMUNITY OF ALASKA
STUDENTS.
· CLEARLY, THERE'S A LOT WE CAN DO FOR OUR CHILDREN AS WE WORK
TOGETHER ON THEIR BEHALF
· WE COVERED A LOT OF GROUND TODAY TALKING ABOUT THE WORLD
SITUATION; ALASKA'S MILITARY FORCES, AND A BIT ABOUT THE
FUTURE. WHEN I STARTED THIS DISCUSSION, I ALSO PROMISED TO
TALK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PLAY AND INFLUENCE THE ACTION. AND HERE
IT IS….
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY/CONCLUSION
· IT'S EASY TO SEE THAT THE MILITARY PRESENCE IN ALASKA IS
SIGNIFICANT … SIX MAJOR MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, 74 NATIONAL
GUARD ARMORIES, 44 COAST GUARD STATIONS, MORE THAN A DOZEN
RADAR SITES, TWO FORWARD OPERATING LOCATIONS, NUMEROUS
AIRFIELDS, EXTENSIVE TRAINING RANGES… THE LIST GOES ON.
· CHANCES ARE, IN SOME FORM OR FASHION, THERE ARE PEOPLE,
EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE OR SOME COMBINATION OF THE PRECEDING
IN YOUR DISTRICT.
· I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO FIND OUT WHAT IS IN YOUR "AOR" OR
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY AS WE CALL IT, AND WORK TO UNDERSTAND
IT. THIS IS THE BEST WAY FOR YOU TO INFLUENCE THE RECRUITING
AND RETENTION ISSUES ALL THE SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY FACING.
TALK TO THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM; FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE
DOING; ASK THEM THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS. YOUR INTERACTION
WILL SHOW SUPPORT AND INTEREST IN WHAT THEY DO.
· KEEP IN MIND THEY WORK FOR YOU…AND YOUR CONSTITUENTS -THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE. TOGETHER, WE CAN SECURE AND ENHANCE ALASKA'S
CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL DEFENSE.
· OUR FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MAINTAIN CLOSE TIES WITH
THE BENEFICIARIES OF WHAT WE DO…YOU.
· AND THAT IS WHY I AM HERE TODAY. TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENGAGE WITH THE
MILITARY AS WELL.
o TO GET TO KNOW US BETTER, TO APPRECIATE THE BURDENS OUR
YOUNG PEOPLE CARRY AND TO HELP US IN WAYS LARGE AND SMALL
TO PROMOTE THE NOBILITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, AND THE
PROFOUND OBLIGATIONS THAT FLOW FROM PROVIDING FOR THE
COMMON DEFENSE.
· WITH THAT, I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY
HAVE.
CO-CHAIRMAN MULDER thanked Lt. General Schwartz then said that
before any question were posed, he would like to introduce several
people in the audience. Major General Phil Oates, the Commissioner
of Military and Veterans Affairs was recognized first, next he
recognized Brigadier General George Cannelos, head of the Alaska
Air National Guard, and then Brigadier General Steve Korenek, head
of the Alaska Army National Guard.
Number 833
SENATOR LEMAN had the first question. He said that he had been
privileged to represent Elmendorf Air Force Base for the last nine
years, three of which he shared with Representative Murkowski. He
said that he was pleased with the military civilian relationship
and that some of the programs mentioned, such as Northern Edge,
were very beneficial. He is particularly pleased with the Honorary
Commanders Program at Elmendorf.
SENATOR LEMAN is concerned with the issue of voting on military
installations. In Alaska, this opportunity has always been provided
and the Division of Elections has done an excellent job in making
sure the opportunity exists. However, a directive from the
Department of Defense (DoD) has threatened to eliminate this
opportunity. He has introduced legislation requesting that this
directive be rescinded and asked General Schwartz for his
perspective from an Alaskan standpoint and its affect on other
states.
LT. GENERAL SCHWARTZ said that the directive from DoD was clearly
laid out, that poling stations on military installations were not
to be supported. He felt that the only way for this to change would
be through legislative exception. He recommended that, in those
places where it clearly made sense to have a poling place, Congress
should be encouraged to enable installations within DoD to allow
them. As always boundaries would be set so that the polling
stations are the requisite distance from any location where
uniformed military might be carrying weapons.
Individual commanders are not able to make exceptions; the change
must come from a DoD exception or Congressional action. It is his
view that DoD is unlikely to change its view without encouragement
from Congress.
CO-CHAIR MULDER recognized Senator Pearce, pointing out her recent
appointment to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the
Services (DACOWIS).
Number 868
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked for elaboration on upgrades on C-17s
and how it ties into training grounds.
LT. GENERAL SCHWARTZ replied that Alaska's major asset, in terms of
air-space maneuverable areas and excellent training grounds, is
well known throughout the department. The dilemma is that moving
forces to Alaska to train is expensive. Transportation costs are a
liability for most assets coming to Alaska. He feels that a
significant advantage that a C-17 unit in Alaska would provide is
the opportunity to bring units from the Lower 48, the West Coast,
or other areas in the western Pacific to avail themselves of the
marvelous opportunities here. The C-17 is a strategic air-lifter
that can lift large quantities of material long distances and that
is a plus for the state. In addition to bringing people here to
train, there is the fact that the Army is thinking about placing
one of its medium weight force brigades in Alaska.
He asked the audience to think about "the synergy of a medium
weight brigade, C-17s, the third and 354th wings. This is a force
projection capability in Alaska, sovereign U.S. territories that
can touch people in the Pacific Region. The force disposition in
the Pacific will likely change over time. Assets that were once
based in the western Pacific may well migrate back to U.S. bastions
such as Alaska, which bodes well for the state."
Number 900
CO-CHAIR MULDER spoke to the base realignment and closure (BRAC)
issue saying that the greatest drawbacks Alaskan posts have are
costs. He asked for advice on changing the criteria for closure to
more adequately address strategic value of power projection and
maneuver area, which is in short supply in the Lower 48. Cost
shouldn't be the only determining criteria.
LT. GENERAL SCHWARTZ said that the criteria that the BRAC
commission must use to measure installations are a product of
public law. The way that law is written will determine the value
assigned to the attributes of the installations around the U.S. For
training and strategic access to be weighted higher than certain
cost factors there is an obligation to communicate that to those in
Congress who write the legislation. In this way, the criteria could
be embodied in the legislation.
Although there is no question that cost is a factor, it is his view
that strategic considerations will begin to prevail. BRAC was
started in 1991 and the focus was to shrink the force. The
motivation was less about strategic posture and more on the peace
dividend. The setting is different now, ten years later, and he
thinks that America's strategic posture is considered to be at
least as important, if not more so, than the cost considerations.
Number 887
CO-CHAIR WILKEN said that the Expeditionary Forces initiative was
set forth three or four years previous by the joint chiefs. Alaska
was a beneficiary of the initiative and he wondered whether it was
still an active initiative being promoted by the joint chiefs.
LT. GENERAL SCHWARTZ said yes but that is takes a number of
different forms such as how the services interact with other
services. He gave an example of the non-combatant evacuation from
Phnum Penh in 1997. The army, marines and others worked jointly on
that operation just as they are carried out today.
In established theatres such as Korea, it is different, but
clearly, on the contingency side, whether it is in response to a
terrorist act, humanitarian act, an emergency operation or a Kosovo
activity it will be executed as a joint task force. Joint task
force activity is the way business is conducted today.
CO-CHAIR MULDER noted that Alex Spector, Director of the Department
of Veterans Affairs, was in the audience and had been asked to give
a brief rundown on VA activities slated for Alaska.
SENATOR PHILLIPS said that he has been working with the Fort
Richardson post commander and General Phil Oates to get permission
to fly a POW MIA flag alongside the American flag at the Glen
Highway monument to service men and women. He asked for any help
General Schwartz could give to get permission to fly this flag.
SENATOR PHILLIPS also wanted information on the North American
Aerospace Defense Command mission function.
Number 852
LT. GENERAL SCHWARTZ said that Operation Northern Denali was such a
mission. He has two F-15s and one KC-35 tanker on alert and
available to him at any time. The F-15's are typically on alert in
the alert facility at Elmendorf and the tanker comes from Eielson.
That is the current alert package for maintaining Alaskan air
sovereignty. When Russians begin to move bombers around, as they
have been this week, a determination is made for the potential to
penetrate Alaskan air space. Just before the last Christmas
holidays, there were three airplanes at King Salmon, three
airplanes at Galena, six tankers at Eielson, and two E-3 radar
aircraft at Elmendorf. There was legitimate concern that the
Russians were going to do "out of area" flight. There is currently
training activity going on in northern Siberia but the assessment
is that they are not going to be provocative.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked how many Canadian pilots are stationed at
bases here.
GENERAL SCHWARTZ said there are 36 Canadians at Elmendorf Air Force
Base.
Number 831
CO-CHAIR MULDER thanked General Schwartz for his address and said
that the closer the bond between the military and the legislature,
the better military individuals and their families will be
represented.
CO-CHAIR MULDER introduced Alex Spector, Director of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
MR. ALEX SPECTOR wanted to round out the picture regarding what
legislators do for veterans on the state level in working with the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Alaska. The Veteran
Affairs medical and benefits budget for Alaska is about $70
million. In addition, they provide about $70 million in benefits to
veterans in Alaska. This money is paid directly to the veteran and
is money that stays in Alaska.
15 percent of all veterans in Alaska receive some sort of
compensation, which is the highest in the nation. There are about
70,000 veterans in the state and about 11,500 veterans take
advantage of their medical services.
Alaska VA services require a partnership with the state. In the
area of medical care, there are several critical care sites in the
state. The main primary care facility is in Anchorage near Alaska
Regional Hospital. It provides primary care, a small amount of
specialty care, mental health services and is the regional office
for benefits.
The joint venture hospital with the Air Force is another clinical
care site. The VA contributed $11 million to the construction of
the hospital building at Elmendorf and runs the intensive care
unit. There is also a joint governance of the facility. It is
recognized as one of the better partnerships.
Number 963
Another clinical care site is the homeless domiciliary facility in
Anchorage that provides rehabilitation services for homeless
veterans. There is a continuum of care for homeless veterans
starting with a storefront where homeless veterans can go to get a
helping hand to change their situation. From there they could go to
a domiciliary and spend from 90 days up to a year in the program.
Next they move to a halfway house and then to their own houses with
vouchers for rent payment. At this point they are reintegrated into
the community.
The VA partners with Anchorage's Stand Down program. Homeless
veterans are given two days where they can stand down from the
harsh street environment and get showers, telephone facilities
provided by AT&T, medical and dental care and legal assistance.
In Fairbanks, there is a small outpatient facility at Fort
Wainwright in partnership with the Army. They are in the process of
increasing services in that area with mental health services having
already seen an increase.
There is a proposed clinical care site in the Kenai Soldotna area.
Congress has approved this for two nurses and a physician. It is
anticipated that about 1,000 patients will be served in that clinic
location.
There is the Alaska Federal Healthcare Partnership made up of the
Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, VA and Indian Health Service. This is
nationally recognized as successful partnering with federal
entities. Along with the partnership, they were able to secure
about $38 million for a federal telemedicine project in the state.
It is the largest telemedicine project in the world and connects
235 Alaskan sites.
The Alaskan VA is ready to submit an application to headquarters
and then to Congress to construct a new outpatient clinic in
Anchorage, next to the Elmendorf hospital on the base. It will be a
$25-40 million project with construction in 2004.
Finally, there is a partnership with Laddie Shaw, Veterans Affairs
coordinator, and General Oates to designate pioneer homes as
pioneer/state homes. There are some federal funds available for
construction/renovation.
Veteran Affairs is proud of the VA services offered in Alaska and
is looking forward to a visit by the new Secretary of the Veterans
Administration, Tony Principe, the weekend of February 16.
CO-CHAIR MULDER said that there is a meeting scheduled with
Secretary Principe on Friday afternoon, February 16, and anyone
wanting to attend should contact Representative Murkowski.
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked, "On this veterans home into the
existing home/state, - is this going to be voluntary or mandatory?"
MR. SPECTOR said that it would be voluntary; there would be an
application process and some sort of eligibility criteria that has
yet to be developed.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked how many Alaskan veterans take
advantage of the partnered medical facilities offered to them
throughout the state.
MR. SPECTOR said that she was referring to the community nursing
home program where veterans are funded to be seen at the skilled
nursing home level. They see a statewide average of ten veterans
per day in this program. The stay is usually between 30 and 90 days
as a transition to Medicaid is made. There are a few veterans
qualified for long-term care where payment goes directly to the
nursing home, not to the veteran. The skilled nursing home level is
a higher level of care than current pioneer home care.
CO-CHAIR MULDER thought perhaps a larger outreach program to state
veterans would be beneficial. He then thanked everyone for
attending and adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
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