Press Release
☷New York Air Guard Supports Arctic Edge Exercise
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Mar 23,2024
| 7| 0
A group of 46 Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard recently took part in Arctic Edge 24 , an exercise that demonstrated the military ' s capabilities in extreme cold . The event showcased the readiness of joint and allied Special Operator Forces in specialties such as long - range fires and movements , special reconnaissance , rapid resupply , personnel recovery , and medical care . The 109th , known for its missions to Greenland and Antarctica , brought its expertise to Alaska for the exercise . During the event , they flew 31 missions , transporting over 95 , 000 pounds of cargo and 61 passengers . The 109th also air - dropped a supply package to Special Operations Forces and Norwegian Special Operations Commandos in the Arctic Ocean . This integration of personnel , aircraft , snowmobiles , and a surfaced submarine was a historic moment in Arctic operations and showcased the combined force ' s capabilities . Notably , the 109th transported an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System as part of the exercise . The training included unloading the HIMARS from the 109th ' s C - 130 , as well as two C130J Hercules . They made a stop at a resupply checkpoint and ended with a live - fire demonstration to show off the Marine Forces Reserve ' s ability to quickly deploy and deter threats in tough Arctic conditions . The 109th faced challenges with the harsh weather and aircraft issues during the exercise . Lt . Col . Matthew Sala , the 109th ' s deployed commander , mentioned that Mother Nature is always a challenge in these environments , but their crews were able to handle it . Chief Master Sgt . Jeffrey Hanna , the 109th ' s maintenance group senior enlisted leader , explained that they had some maintenance issues with leaks and had to change a tire , but the team worked together to make sure they didn ' t miss any missions . Despite the setbacks , the 109th Maintenance Airmen worked hard to get the aircraft ready as quickly as possible . Arctic Edge 24 involved participation from multiple nations , including special forces from the United States , Norway , Denmark , and the United Kingdom . The training focused on collective efforts to secure the Arctic region and enhance military capabilities in extreme environments .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .