Air Force Special Operations Flexes Muscle in Frigid Arctic Exercise

The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) recently completed a successful training exercise in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.

Arctic Edge 24 (AE24), a joint operation led by US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), pushed Air Commandos and their international partners to their limits from February 23 to March 11, 2024.

Their mission? Prove the Air Force motto “Any place, any time, anywhere” holds true, even in the face of brutal cold.

The exercise focused on honing special operations capabilities in extreme cold and high-latitude environments and building strong relationships with partner nations.

AE24: Testing the Limits of Aircraft and Aircrews

The 27th Special Operations Wing (SOW) played a critical role in AE24.

They deployed two MC-130J Commando II aircraft and two U-28A Draco aircraft to Alaska.

Air Commandos provided crucial weather support and communication expertise to the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG).

Captain Jake Billington, in charge of the operation, put it perfectly: “The 27 SOW is putting that to the test in Alaska, where the extreme cold provides new challenges and fantastic training to keep our force ready for worldwide projection.”

Here’s how they brought the heat (figuratively, staying warm was crucial!):

• MC-130J Commando II Muscle: These workhorse airplanes hauled equipment, snowmobiles, and soldiers across the vast Alaskan landscape. Think of them as flying taxis for this extreme winter wonderland.
• U-28A Draco Debuts in the Arctic: This aircraft made history with its first-ever Arctic mission. Not only did it brave the cold, but it also played a crucial role in communication, keeping everyone – from submarines to snowmobilers – connected despite the challenging icy environment.

International Collaboration Strengthens Arctic Defense

This wasn’t just about showcasing fancy planes but pushing boundaries. Draco’s success proves it can operate even in the harshest conditions, expanding its reach and capabilities.

• Global Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The 27th SOW wasn’t alone. They teamed up with Special Operations Forces from the US, UK, Canada, Denmark, and Norway. This international cooperation is key to maintaining a strong defense in the Arctic.

Success in the Face of Adversity

Captain Nicholas Porcelli, another leader on the mission, highlighted the importance of this teamwork: “At AE 24, We validated our ability to provide timely, persistent overwatch in an arduous, Arctic environment that challenged our aircrew, maintainers, and aircraft.”

“Our mission success enabled the 640 special operations personnel who were counting on us. The stakes were high – the environment presented numerous unknowns, and our crews performed exceptionally well,” added Porcelli.

Arctic Edge 24 wasn’t just about survival in the cold; it was a showcase of the flexibility and adaptability of Special Operations Forces.

They proved they could operate effectively anywhere on Earth, sending a clear message that the US and its allies are prepared to defend the Arctic in a world with ever-changing security threats.