Legislature(2021 - 2022)ANCH LIO DENALI Rm
07/13/2022 02:30 PM Senate JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
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| Audio | Topic |
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| Start | |
| Presentation(s): the Armed Services Update | |
| Adjourn |
* 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
July 13, 2022
2:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Matt Claman, Co-Chair
Senator Mike Shower, Co-Chair (via teleconference)
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative Chris Tuck (via teleconference)
Representative Geran Tarr
Representative David Nelson
Senator Joshua Revak
Senator Roger Holland
Senator Lora Reinbold
Senator Scott Kawasaki (via teleconference)
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT
Colonel George Vakalis, retired - Anchorage
Colonel Robert Doehl, retired - Anchorage
PUBLIC MEMBERS ABSENT
Colonel Tim Jones, retired - Fairbanks
Nelson N. Angapak, Sr. - Anchorage
Commodore James Chase, retired - Anchorage
Brigadier General Julio "Randy" Banez, retired - Fairbanks
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
ARMED SERVICES PRESENTATIONS:
ALASKAN COMMAND (ALCOM) UPDATE
- HEARD
US ARMY ALASKA (USARAK) UPDATE
- HEARD
US COAST GUARD (USCG) 17th DISTRICT UPDATE
- HEARD
ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD (AKNG) UPDATE
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID A. KRUMM, Commander, Lieutenant General,
Alaskan Command (ALCOM), US Northern Command; Commander,
Eleventh US Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; Commander,
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the Alaskan Command (ALCOM)
update.
BRIAN EIFLER, Major General; Commanding General,
US Army Alaska (USARAK), Deputy Commander,
US Alaskan Command (ALCOM)
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the US Army Alaska (USARAK)
update.
NATHAN A. MOORE, PE
Rear Admiral; Commander,
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the US Coast Guard 17th District
update.
TORRENCE W. SAXE, Major General; Adjutant General,
Alaska National Guard (AKNG); Commissioner,
Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the AKNG Update.
ACTION NARRATIVE
2:35:47 PM
CO-CHAIR MATT CLAMAN called the Joint Armed Services Committee
meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Representatives Spohnholz, Tuck (via teleconference), Tarr,
Nelson, and Co-Chair Claman; and Senators Revak, Holland,
Reinbold, Kawasaki (via teleconference), and Co-Chair Shower
(via teleconference). Public members present were Colonel George
Vakalis and Colonel Robert Doehl.
^PRESENTATION(S): Armed Services Updates
PRESENTATION(S): ARMED SERVICES UPDATES
2:37:41 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN announced that the only order of business would
be the Armed Services updates.
2:37:59 PM
DAVID A. KRUMM, Commander, Lieutenant General, Alaskan Command
(ALCOM), US Northern Command; Commander, Eleventh US Air Force,
Pacific Air Forces; Commander, North American Aerospace Defense
Command Region, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska,
delivered the Alaskan Command (ALCOM) update. He talked to
senior military, political, civilian, and foreign leaders who
came through Alaska over the past eight months about how the
state should prepare for changes in the Arctic. This
presentation focuses on environmental changes and geopolitical
implications of the Arctic opening.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 2, Summary:
• Arctic Opening/Impacts to Homeland Defense
• Evolving Threats to Homeland Defense
• Opportunities for State Assistance
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM stated that the Arctic is warming at a
rate two to four times faster than the rest of the world. The
difference between a water temperature of 31 and 32 degrees is
significant. He advanced to slide 3, Rising Surface
Temperatures:
• Since the late 1970s Alaska annual average
temperatures began to increase an average of 0.7?F
per decade
• Alaska North Slope warming at 2.6 times the rate of
the continental U.S.
• Alaskan west coast, central interior, and Bristol
Bay areas are warming at more than twice the rate of
the continental U.S.
• Past temperature trends vary widely decade to
decade, and are consistent with large-scale patterns
of climate variability in the Pacific Ocean sea
surface temperatures
• 3 Major Impacts
• Sea Ice
• Permafrost
• Coastal Erosion
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM stated that retreating sea ice is a
driving factor of coastal erosion and thawing permafrost. The
stability of infrastructure built in the past needs examining in
the future. The Air Force takes runways seriously. Eielson Air
Force Base (AFB) has a taxiway that must severely restrict the
weight limits of aircraft taxiing across it every July and
August, and the area has grown larger over the past four years.
Infrastructure will need to be revitalized to repair damage
caused by thawing permafrost; otherwise, areas will become
unusable. He advanced to slide 4, Permafrost DOD Impacts:
• Over last few years, Eielson AFB has spent $164
million in new construction and repairs due to
permafrost changes
• T-39 taxiway currently usable only for fighter
aircraft for approximately 2 months (Jul-Aug)
• Heavier aircraft buckles the pavement and causes
more damage
• Widespread cracks throughout runway
• Increased Wildfire Threat and Intensity
• 3 of largest wildfire years on record since 2000
• Warming temperatures
• Longer snow-free season
• Permafrost burns easily
• 2.5M acres burned in 2019
2:42:32 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 5, Arctic Sea Ice
Minimums, showing aerial images of Arctic Sea ice decreasing in
mass and a chart depicting a 13 percent decline in sea ice per
decade from 1984 to 2016. The chart reflects the average
September minimum extent and that the ice expands in the
following months. He mentioned that white ice reflects the
sunlight and without the ice, the ocean absorbs more sunlight.
Less sea ice in the summer means more open water periods,
putting more coastal villages at risk of erosion.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 6, Coastal Erosion:
A map depicted the erosion rates in various cities along the
Northwest Passage and Northern Sea Route.
• Permafrost coasts in the Arctic make up more than
30% of Earth's coastlines
• Changes in permafrost coasts are primarily due to
erosion
• Amplifying Factors:
• Extent of Sea Ice
• Increased duration of open water period
• Rising air temperatures
• Rising sea-levels
• Warming permafrost
• Subsiding permafrost landscapes
• Increased storminess and wave heights
• Increased coastal erosion at AF radar early warning
and communication installations
• Risk to DOD early warning system operating with
diminished functionality
• Damaged roads, utility infrastructure, seawalls,
and runways
• Limited access to locations
• Damaged seawalls allow large waves to overrun
runway
2:43:49 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 7, showing a 2012
Army Corps of Engineers' conceptual erosion model at Oliktok
Long Range Radar Station (LRRS). Due to more wind and water,
erosion is occurring faster than anticipated, and more will have
to be spent on rock and seawalls to protect infrastructure.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM stressed that less sea ice resulted in
greater access to the abundance of riches in Alaska and the
Arctic; people and nation-states are paying attention to the
Arctic openings. He advanced to slide 8:
Increased Human Activity in the Arctic
• Arctic activity will increase
• Natural resource development
• Hydrocarbons, minerals, rare earth minerals,
and fisheries
• Transportation corridor
• Conflicting interests will overlap
• Many stakeholders and non-Arctic actors
• Forecast
• Increased commercial presence
• Shipping, research, travel
• Potential environmental impacts
• 2020 Norilsk Oil Spill
• 21,000 tons
• Resource extractions
• Increased military action
A graphic on slide 8 depicted the projected average extent of
ice for September 2070 2090 in the Northwest Passage and
Northern Sea Route. Four years ago, up to 30 ships used the
Northern Sea Route. Last year, 390 ships used that route. Using
the Northern Sea Route, a large container ship from East Asia
can cut 7 to 10 days off transit time. The route offers a
tremendous logistic change, particularly for manufacturing
companies in China, possibly looking to reduce transportation
costs.
2:46:51 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 9, Chinese Fishing
Vessel Activity:
A graphic illustrated a pattern of Chinese fishing fleets
pushing but not violating the boundaries of the US exclusive
economic zone (EEZ). Fish are sensitive to rising ocean
temperatures moving north, as are fishing vessels.
China maintains largest Distant Water Fishing (DWF)
Fleet in World, ~17,000 PRC compared to 300 U.S.
DWF often associated with unsustainable levels of
extraction, and with illegal, unreported and
unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Civilian Chinese fishing boats notoriously aggressive
and often shadowed by armed Chinese Coast Guard
vessels militia. Chinese military scenario for the
Arctic foresees dual-use of economic and scientific
presence in the Arctic (e.g., militarization of
fishing fleet, demanding access to exclusive economic
zones).
BLUF: Chinese Fishing Vessels annually continue to
migrate northeast to establish new fishing grounds due
to fish migration likely following an increase in
overfishing (Assessment USCG D-17)
2:47:32 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 10, emphasizing that
access to the riches of hydrocarbons, minerals, rare earth
minerals, fish, and shipping corridors that could save billions
of dollars in transportation costs will bring increased nation-
state activity in the Arctic. The state needs to prepare for
this eventuality, ensuring US activity in the Arctic is done by
choice, not by consequence. He advocated for resourcing Arctic
strategies that many of the armed services and Department of
Defense make available.
Evolving Threats to our Nation
• Domain Awareness
• Missiles
• Ballistic, cruise, hypersonic
• Air
• Technology transfers, sUAS, electromagnetic
warfare
• Cyber
• Infrastructure, data, misinformation
America is no longer a sanctuary
2:52:31 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM advanced to slide 11, stating there are
several areas where the legislature could assist the Alaska
Command:
Opportunities for State Assistance
Key Focus Areas:
• The Fairbanks North Star Borough Housing
Situation
• Childcare
• Military and Spouse Licensure Reciprocity
• Medical Providers
• Public Sale of Land IVO JPARC
• Environmental Remediation
Thank you for Your Commitment to our Military Members
and Families It Shows!
3:01:02 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN introduced Major General Brian Eifler to do the
update for the US Army Alaska (USARAK), which changed to the
11th Airborne Division on June 6, 2022.
3:01:21 PM
BRIAN EIFLER, Major General; Commanding General, Eleventh
Airborne Division, United States Army Alaska (USARAK); Deputy
Commander, US Alaskan Command (ALCOM) Joint Base Elmendorf-
Richardson (JBER), Alaska provided a PowerPoint presentation,
titled "11th Airborne Division America's Arctic Angels,"
expressing pride in this newest Army division. The 11th Airborne
has a storied history; it was one of five airborne divisions in
WWII. The division spent its time in the Pacific, assigned to
the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
MAJOR GENERAL EIFLER began the presentation on slide 2 to
discuss the division's identity change. USARAK discovered it was
missing a mission, a purpose, and an identity. Previously, the
division's identity linked itself to the Hawaii-based 25th
Infantry, whose mission differs from Alaska's. While the 11th
Airborne's mission supports INDOPACOM, it is not only airborne,
but also the Army's Arctic and mountain expert. The brigade in
the north is transforming into a Light Brigade that will result
in an airborne - Air Assault combination. It is a strategic
division, being trained as Arctic experts that will work with
cold weather countries over the pole. Division headquarters will
expand, as will the intelligence shop for logistics. The
division has a WWII legacy and Arctic expert ethos to live up
to, which gives the division a uniquely defined mission,
purpose, and identity.
The Army's Premier Cold-Weather Force
Changes
• U.S. Army Alaska converted to the 11th Airborne
Division June 6th, 2022
• Brigade Combat Teams reflagged (1/11 and 2/11)
Impact
• Supports the Army's Arctic Strategy
• Sets the Army on the path towards a force that is
more appropriately manned, trained, and equipped for
the Arctic environment
• Defines unified purpose, identity and mission for
Soldiers in Alaska
Army Chief of Staff Guidance
• Live up to the legacy of those who have gone before
us.
• Be masters of our craft in Arctic warfare and thrive
in extreme cold weather and mountainous terrain.
• Be innovative and on the leading edge in developing
tactics, techniques and equipment for the harsh
Arctic environment.
3:07:24 PM
MAJOR GENERAL EIFLER advanced to slide 3, emphasizing the
importance of mobilizing effectively, specifically in the region
where training and fighting will occur. No training center in
the US can replicate an Arctic environment except Alaska. The
Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center is a joint armed
forces center. It is also multinational; other nations may
participate.
Building Readiness
Globally responsive, trained & ready
• Multi-domain enabled land forces to fight & win in
cold weather and mountainous terrain
• Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center for
joint & multinational brigade-level training
• Humanitarian assistance, disaster response
• Defense support to civil authorities in Alaska
Assuring allies, deterring aggression
Northern Edge & Arctic Edge (Canada)
North Wind, Keen Sword, Yama Sakura &
Orient Shield (Japan)
Yudh Abhyas (India)
Khaan Quest (Mongolia)
Arctic Forge (Finland)
Swift Response (Norway)
Boots on the ground in the only state in the Arctic
3:11:22 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN introduced Rear Admiral Nathan Moore to do the
US Coast Guard 17th District update.
3:11:37 PM
NATHAN A. MOORE, PE, Rear Admiral; Commander, United States
Coast Guard (USCG) District 17, Juneau, Alaska, provided a
PowerPoint presentation titled "2022 Coast Guard Update for
Joint Armed Services Committee." He began on slide 2, Operations
in a Strategically Competitive Space. The slide illustrates a
variety of international military operations encountered last
September/October 2021 in the Bering Sea, the Aleutians, and
maritime space, such as:
- USCG frigates in the Bering Sea at all times. The Department
of State can call on Rear Admiral Moore, authorized to work with
and communicate with Russia on rescues, oil spills, and maritime
emergencies for deconfliction purposes, to ensure rules-based
order. The USCG has a long-standing maritime relationship with
Russia.
- People's Republic of China (PRC) intel collection ships. These
ships routinely make their way up into the Bering Strait,
international waters, the Chukchi Sea, and the Arctic Ocean.
Ongoing for years, the USCG monitors these intel ships closely.
Awareness is essential.
- Joint maneuvers with the Canadians. The US shares a maritime
boundary with Canada through the Northwest Passage Route,
sharing transits, search and rescue, and oil spill response with
Canada.
- Partnerships: A South Korean naval vessel that came through
last summer, the Japanese self-defense force training ship
KASHIMA, and the Royal Canadian Navy ship "Harry DeWolf" is
pictured in photo #7.
- Photo #8 depicts a PRC naval strategic action group vessel
inside the Aleutian chain. The USCG was on scene with the
vessel. PRC ship was legally in international waters, but from a
domain awareness and national security standpoint, the USCG went
out to meet them.
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE expects more of these same operations as they
tend to repeat.
3:16:27 PM
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE switched gears, advancing to slide 3,
Workforce Initiatives:
Campaign to Connect
"Connection creates hope, and hope saves lives"
The USCG has been troubled here in Alaska by a string of
suicides this past year. Three suicides occurred in three
months, starting just after Christmas. The USCG has worked
diligently to get its arms wrapped around this issue. Young
people struggle with seasonal affective disorder, human
connection, and staying connected. It can be isolating if one
person does not get along with someone on a crew of 15. The
bases in Alaska are very dispersed, with as few as 15, 20, or 25
Coast Guard billets in one place. The USCG reached out to local
community partners to improve its mental health and suicide
prevention efforts.
3:18:14 PM
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE advanced to slide 4, stating the USCG
continues to fulfill its domestic operations:
- vessel facility examinations
- safety examinations
- aids to navigation
- coastal fishing vessel boarding
- medivacs off of cruise ships
- medivacs off of commercial ships
- serving fishing vessels
- continue to have a solid link to National Geographic's
"Deadliest Catch"
- all of the traditional USCG missions continue in Alaska
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE advanced to slides 5 and 6, Communications
and Shore Infrastructure which pictured some of the following:
Aviation
The USCG had the first five C-130Js fielded anywhere in the
country, located in Kodiak. The USCG version of the Blackhawk
helicopter will continue to roll out, and more will arrive in
Kodiak in the future.
Cutters
A new, fast response cutter has been commissioned for Ketchikan
for the end of September. The USCG plans to station three more
cutters in Kodiak within the next two years. A USCG icebreaker
is coming for operation in the Arctic.
Shore Infrastructure
Search and rescue operations use VHF channel 16. Mountains block
VHF signals, so mountaintop communications systems are integral
in transmitting signals. Communications infrastructure is
affected by climate change. Diesel-generated communication
systems do not run forever unattended on mountain tops. Most of
these systems have been replaced, but the future of mountain top
communication networks will give way to other technologies, for
example, satellite systems. The USCG is working on it.
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE stated that the 17th District received an
incredible amount of infrastructure funding over the last couple
of years from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the USCG
budget. The USCG plans to build 80 new homes in Kodiak, the
largest USCG base in the country. As stated earlier, Kodiak will
receive new ships, which means an increase in Coast Guard
families that need a place to live. Valdez has built covered
moorings to keep small boats in ready status; it is challenging
to be at the ready when the crew is constantly shoveling snow
off vessels. The USCG would like to bring a new cutter into
Sitka, but the partially condemned, old Sitka pier is a problem.
USCG has been working with the state to purchase land alongside
the coastline pictured in slide 5. The objective would be to
build-out and expand the pier to accommodate the new cutter.
Obtaining the ground to execute the Sitka project has been a
challenge. He reiterated that the USCG has a lot of funds
available and would like to implement these projects.
3:23:38 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN introduced Major General Torrence Saxe for the
Alaska National Guard update.
3:23:49 PM
TORRENCE SAXE, Major General; Adjutant General, Alaska National
Guard (AKNG); Commissioner, Alaska Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER),
Alaska, delivered the AKNG update with the PowerPoint
presentation titled Alaska is Unique JASC Perspective. Slide
1 touched on the following points:
- Thirteen percent of veterans live in Alaska, which is over ten
times the national average. Multiply this statistic by one
degree of separation, husbands, wives, etcetera, and roughly
forty percent of the state's population has a direct connection
to the military.
- Alaska is fundamentally a unique, military-centric state with
high regard for the military and high expectations that the
military delivers results.
- AKNG is now a strong model for the entire National Guard on
how to do things right to prevent sexual assault. The AKNG built
its prevention model on developing a culture of respecting
people and dignity.
3:26:54 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 2, Global Scene. He
described the special relationship between the California
National Guard and Ukraine. It is the type of relationship AKNG
wants to establish with Mongolia. A map on slide 2 shows
Mongolia's strategic position sandwiched between Russia and
China.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 3, North Korea. A BBC
published map shows missile range estimates, and a Reuters
published map discusses a 933 km test-launch of an
intercontinental ballistic missile. The AKNG is concerned, and
many in-state forces monitor this daily.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 4, Missile Warning. An
unclassified level world map illustrates how systems would track
a missile from potential adversaries or China/North Korea. He
noted that National Guardsmen operate almost every entity
mentioned.
3:29:00 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 5, which details where AKNG
could be deployed worldwide on any given day.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 6, Alaska National Guard,
which focuses on hub armory operations. He enlisted the
legislature's help in recruiting to areas like Bethel, Nome, and
Kotzebue, which are also areas the AKNG trains. A bright spot
for recruiting is Chevak which performed well for a rural,
sparsely populated community. Photos show commissary deliveries
to Bethel last year, illustrating that AKNG is trying to provide
commissary benefits to off-road communities. Veteran buy-in for
community armories is encouraged; for example, the Kodiak Armory
is in the process of being named in honor of Private Daniel
Harmon, a Vietnam veteran killed in action.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 7, Way ForwardThree Phase.
Pictured is a house built on a rock, symbolizing a solid
foundation in the unit; a map of Alaska, representing the AKNG
focus on the state; and a map of the US, indicating AKNG should
be doing things right on the national level.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 8, Phase 1. This slide
showed a collage of pictures focused on building leaders. Of
note was a photo of Colonel Ellis, a Vietnam veteran who spent 5
1/2 years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. Colonel Ellis recently
spoke, sharing stories of survival under severe, torturous
conditions. His perspective provided life lessons for making
better leaders and being better leaders to the troops.
3:31:51 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE reviewed slides 9 and 10 which focused on
building solid relationships with the Joint Armed Services
Committee, the USCG, the Alaskan Command, and the 11th Airborne
Division. He stressed the importance of ensuring these
relationships remain strong. It is vital to move forward as a
team; there is strength in unity.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 11, Rural/Local Outreach
which discussed the benefits of forging relationships in rural
communities. The collage of pictures shows AKNG participating in
school activities, fish camps, and Christmas festivities during
Operation Santa Claus.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 12, Election Support. Naval
militia, state defense force, and the National Guard went to
many polling places around the state dressed in civilian
clothing and offered support to ensure Alaskans had the
opportunity to vote during COVID-19. Slide 12 shows some of the
communities they visited.
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 13, Alaska Operations. In-
state usage of AKNG has been busier in the past two years than
any time over the past 25 years combined, for deployments to
distribute food during COVID-19 and Manly Hot Springs, to name a
few.
3:34:22 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE summarized slides 14 19, Honoring our
Heroes. AKNG would like to honor those who have performed acts
of heroism. The following slides review the story of the Gambell
First Scout Battalion who rescued the crew of a downed US Navy
Patrol plane on June 22, 1955:
Slide 14 pictured a Navy patrol plane with crew:
U.S. Navy
• June 22, 1955 a U.S. Navy patrol plane with 11 crew
from Kodiak.
• 40 miles from Chukotka and 200 miles west of Nome
• Mission: Patrol, check navigational aids, document
sea ice
Slide 15 showed the crash site location and a MiG-15:
22 June 1955
• Two Russian MiG-15 aircraft attacked the US Navy
Patrol plane
• Disabled, the plane had to crash land on the closest
land
• The plane burned on impact ~8-10 miles south of
Gambell
Slide 16 pictured the damaged aircraft:
• The plane was disabled, pilot had to crash land
• Crew escaped the burning aircraft but many were
injured
• The injured aircrew expected capture by Russians
Slide 17 pictured skin boats, like those used in the rescue:
• Russian MiG-15s continued to circle the crash site
• Aircrew injuries included burns, bullet, and
shrapnel wounds
• The Gambell First Scout Battalion were first on
scene via skin boats
Slide 18 pictured seven survivors on the mainland recovering
from injuries. Two more were at a burn center in California:
• Gambell Guardsmen provided emergency care and
brought the 11 survivors to Gambell via boat
• Track vehicles moved injured from Gambell's beach to
the church
• Gambell cared for the US Navy aircrew until their
return to Elmendorf AFB
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slide 19:
9 July 2022 - Gambell
After a review by Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, Adjutant
General of the Alaska National Guard and Director of
the Office of Veterans Affairs, awards were upgraded
to the Alaska Heroism Medal - the highest award for
Heroism in the Alaska National Guard awards program.
These awards will be presented to Cpl. Bruce Boolowon
and surviving family of:
Master Sgt. Willis Walunga Staff Sgt. Clifford Iknokinok
Sfc. Herbert Apassingok Sgt. Ralph Apatiki Sr.
Cpl. Bruce Boolowon Cpl. Victor Campbell
Cpl. Ned Koozaata Cpl. Joseph Slwooko
Pfc. Holden Apatiki Pfc. Lane Iyakitan
Pfc. Woodrow Malewotkuk Pfc. Roger Slwooko
Pfc. Vernon Slwooko Pfc. Donald Ungott
Pfc. Leroy Kulukhon Pvt. Luke Kulukhon
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE said AKNG is reaching out to communities to
honor others and welcomes stories of heroism. Ideally, AKNG
would like to honor heroes while they are still living, to see
the smiles and the actual people, and to say thank you in
person.
3:36:33 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE advanced to slides 20 and 21, stating there
are several items the legislature could help AKNG improve:
- Quality of life for soldiers. He did a tour of barracks a
couple of years ago and saw roughly 40 soldiers to one bathroom
in a major installation. He plans to seek funding in an upcoming
tour to remedy the problem. No one should be required to live in
those accommodations, and it will not happen anymore.
- AKNG is looking for the next generation of rescue helicopters
for search and rescue. AKNG pararescuemen (PJs), combat rescue
officers, do roughly one save per week all year long. They do
amazing work, day in and day out in all types of weather.
- AKNG is looking to transition a small Air National Guard unit
to the Space National Guard.
Initiatives/Endeavors:
• ARMY/AIR FORCE:
• Quality of LifeCamp Carroll / Fort Greely
• KC-135 Association KC-46 follow-on
• Arctic Search and Rescue Helicopter acquisition
• Space National Guard
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE thanked the legislature for its support at
Ft. Greely
3:38:10 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN invited questions from committee members.
3:38:23 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD inquired about Arctic ice levels in the winter.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM answered the ice comes back to about
the same place in the winter, but a lot of it becomes new ice
which is a little different than old ice. A ship can break
through new ice a little easier than old ice. He does not have
the exact details, but the retreat that occurs in the summertime
does not happen in the wintertime.
SENATOR REINBOLD asked what was contributing to climate change.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM replied that he did not know why the
climate was changing. The Armed Services' role is to prepare
itself for what is happening.
SENATOR REINBOLD asked him to expound on the comment that
misinformation was a major concern.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM replied that misinformation is always a
concern. He has seen misinformation come out of Russia, Ukraine,
and China. It is a concern in the cyber arena. An adversary's
falsehoods about an issue can impact the situation itself. So,
in a crisis, it is incumbent upon the commander to prepare the
troops for propaganda to ensure they are not negatively affected
by misinformation.
3:41:58 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD asked what the greatest threat to Alaska is
currently.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM replied that threats to the homeland
shift and morph. He does not see an immediate threat right now,
but looking forward is important, so anything the Armed Services
do is not by consequence. The legislature's continued support of
things asked for is enabling, needed, and appreciated for
homeland defense.
3:44:14 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND asked whether icebreaker escorts or fleets with
thicker hulls are needed to move through the northern routes.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM answered yes. No one wants a repeat of
the Titanic. Vessels are escorted or have ice-hardened hulls
most of the time. It appears China hopes to use normal shipping
vessels during ice-free times. Russia requests payment and a
Russian pilot board vessels traversing the route. While both
requirements are understandable, search and rescue vessels are
in limited supply in the area, the Northern Sea Route is in
international waters. The US and Russia disagree on this point.
3:46:15 PM
SENATOR REVAK commented on military spousal licensure. The
legislature passed [SB 12], which requires temporary licensure
within thirty days. The legislature wants the bill correctly
implemented, so if military spouses are experiencing licensing
difficulties, please notify the legislature. He asked about
Mission 100 and what was working for the prevention of suicides.
MAJOR GENERAL EIFLER answered Mission 100 began about seven
months ago and was operationalized so that soldiers understood
the mission's purpose, 100 percent connection. People who fall
prey to suicide are absent hope. Connection brings hope, and
hope is the Army's weapon against suicide. He detailed Mission
100.
3:53:05 PM
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM expressed appreciation for the Army's
Mission 100 results and is looking to incorporate its "best
practices" strategies.
SENATOR REVAK thanked the Army for its effort on this issue.
3:54:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON asked whether Alaska was prepared for
housing an increase of soldiers.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM answered Eielson AFB is the only place
that will have a significant increase in housing as far as he is
aware. It is a small community, so a small personnel influx can
significantly impact housing. Housing is problematic for
soldiers and airmen in the Fort Wainwright/Eielson AFB area
because options are limited. He expressed appreciation for the
community's response to the problem and is optimistic as long as
those efforts continue.
3:57:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR commented on suicide and sexual assault
prevention efforts. She asked about domestic and international
threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and whether the
legislature should be taking action.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM replied the use of devices in
unauthorized areas is of concern, some of it is done in
ignorance, and some is not. Better protection methods are
needed. Military facilities conduct sensitive business and need
protection from nefarious activities.
4:01:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ noted that Lieutenant General Krumm
brought up the challenge of childcare a second year in a row.
She acknowledged childcare is an issue throughout the state.
Alaska is working on being more military friendly, making more
resources available, including childcare. The legislature came
close to funding a Child Care Trust this past session. She asked
about communications infrastructure and whether the USCG was
considering wind and solar power to remedy the energy source
issue in rural and coastal Alaska.
REAR ADMIRAL MOORE answered that Alaska's communication system
differs from the Lower 48. The USCG is working on replacing its
entire coastal communication network for search and rescue
coordination. Alaska and the Lower 48 will share a common
communication system which will be good for the 17th District.
Alaska will no longer have a separate system supported
differently and with different functionality. The USCG might get
a satellite-based system that is less maintenance intensive than
diesel-powered generators.
4:04:06 PM
COLONEL VAKALIS brought up comments about remedying soil
contamination, inquiring about types and causes of soil
contamination.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM answered that contaminated soil was
discovered during construction at Eielson AFB. Contamination
caused by petroleum chemicals was not much of an issue, but PFAS
was. The soil contains toxins that do not diminish over time.
This issue was initially brought up when the legislature asked
what it could do to help problem solve and innovate.
COLONEL VAKALIS thanked all collectively for their work.
4:06:21 PM
COLONEL DOEHL said the points about the need for behavioral
health specialists were well taken, particularly in Alaska which
has a shortage of specialists statewide. He asked whether they
would support a new initiative focused on growing the behavioral
health workforce and cultivating student interest in the field.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM answered he would help in any way he
could.
4:07:14 PM
SENATOR SHOWER thanked the senior military officers, their
support staff, and everybody for their time, service, and
updates.
4:08:26 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD asked for an update on the fire in the area of
Clear, Alaska.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM said he received an update today at
noon. As of this morning, the fire was about a mile away from
where mandatory evacuations would be issued. He was optimistic
the rain would help slow the burn but is concerned a heavy
rainfall may cause washouts in fire-damaged areas.
SENATOR REINBOLD asked to be notified if she could help.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL KRUMM noted that equipment had been sent from
Eielson AFB, JBER, and Fort Wainwright to assist. It has been an
all-out effort from all military units in Alaska, helping with
fire breaks and other tasks. Anything requested has been sent.
SENATOR REINBOLD discussed the COVID-19 vaccine, misinformation,
and the need for senior military leaders to defend and protect
their troops.
4:11:57 PM
CO-CHAIR CLAMAN thanked everyone for their attendance today,
specifically Lieutenant General Krumm, Major General Eifler,
Rear Admiral Moore, and Major General Saxe for their
participation.
4:12:11 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Co-Chair Claman adjourned the Joint Armed Services Committee
meeting at 4:12 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| ALCOM JASC Presentation Final_.pdf |
JASC 7/13/2022 2:30:00 PM |
|
| 11ABN DIV_JASC_FINAL_13JUL22.pdf |
JASC 7/13/2022 2:30:00 PM |
|
| USCG 2022 JASC Brief -.pdf |
JASC 7/13/2022 2:30:00 PM |
|
| Saxe JASC Jul 22 presentation.pdf |
JASC 7/13/2022 2:30:00 PM |
|
| 2023KeyIssuesTwoPageFlyer_20220706.pdf |
JASC 7/13/2022 2:30:00 PM |