Military Action on Remote Island in Response to Global Tensions

Soldiers in uniform saluting, American flag patch visible.

The U.S. military has fortified its Arctic defenses by deploying 130 soldiers and rocket launchers to Shemya Island in response to escalating Russian and Chinese military activities near American airspace.

At a Glance

  • The U.S. military has deployed 130 soldiers and mobile rocket launchers to Shemya Island in the Aleutian chain of western Alaska.
  • This move follows an increase in Russian military planes and vessels approaching American territory.
  • Eight Russian military planes and four navy vessels, including two submarines, have come close to Alaska recently as part of joint military drills with China.
  • U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan has called for a larger military presence in the Aleutians and suggested reopening the Naval Air Facility Adak.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard recently tracked four Russian Federation Navy vessels near Point Hope, Alaska.

Strategic Deployment to Shemya Island

The U.S. Army sent approximately 130 soldiers to Shemya Island on September 12, transporting two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to the location. Shemya Island is a strategic position in the Aleutian chain in western Alaska, situated about 1,200 miles southwest of Anchorage. This deployment aims to counterbalance the growing military presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.

This significant military action follows the recent detection of eight Russian military aircraft and four navy vessels near U.S. airspace. These were part of joint exercises between Russia and China, highlighting the escalating military activities near American borders. Although none of the Russian planes crossed into U.S. airspace, the Pentagon emphasizes that there is no immediate threat recognized at this point.

Increased Russian and Chinese Activities

Over the past week, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked Russian military planes within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Notably, the number of such incursions fluctuates yearly, with 26 incidents recorded last year and 25 this year so far. The ADIZ mandates aircraft to identify themselves but lies outside the U.S. airspace jurisdiction.

“It’s not the first time that we’ve seen the Russians and the Chinese flying, you know, in the vicinity, and that’s something that we obviously closely monitor, and it’s also something that we’re prepared to respond to,” said Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

These latest activities are part of “Ocean-24,” the largest Russian joint naval and air drills since the Cold War. This extensive operation involves over 400 ships, submarines, transport vessels, and more than 90,000 troops. The joint exercises highlight the critical role the Arctic region plays in the great power competition between the U.S., Russia, and China.

Call for Enhanced Military Presence

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska has long been advocating for a stronger U.S. military presence in the Aleutian Islands and along Alaska’s western shores. Sullivan recently urged the reopening of the Naval Air Facility Adak to ensure better preparedness against potential threats. In addition to the Army’s current deployment, a guided missile destroyer and a Coast Guard vessel have also been dispatched to the region.

“These escalating incidents demonstrate the critical role the Arctic plays in great power competition between the U.S., Russia, and China,” Senator Sullivan stated.

Senator Sullivan pointed out that these military maneuvers by authoritarian regimes are tests of American resolve and capacity. He emphasized the importance of a robust and assertive military response to these provocations. The ongoing intelligence gathering and military operations by Russia in the Arctic further underline the necessity for strategic readiness and a capable military force to secure American interests in this critical region.

Sources:

  1. U.S. deploys soldiers, rocket systems to Alaska island as Russian military activity ramps up in region
  2. US soldiers stationed on Alaskan island armed with rocket launchers after Russian activity detected
  3. U.S. Troops Moved to Alaska Island Amid Russia Threat
  4. After Russian Naval Drills Off Alaska, U.S. Army Sends Troops to Aleutians
  5. US Moves Soldiers to Alaska Island Amid Russian Military Activity Increase in the Area
  6. US Military Deploys Troops and Rocket Launchers to Alaska Island Amid Russian Activity
  7. Russo-Chinese Arctic war games spur US response as Alaska officials warn only strength can deter crisis
  8. US soldiers stationed on Alaskan island armed with rocket launchers after Russian activity detected
  9. US deploys troops and rocket launchers to Alaska amid Russian activity
  10. US moves soldiers, rocket launchers to Alaska island following Russian activity

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR