US Army Deploys Troops, Weapons to the Aleutian Islands

The US Army has demonstrated its might by deploying troops and weapons to Alaska’s Aleutian Islands amidst escalating tensions with Russia and China.

At a Glance

The US Army rapidly deployed weapons and 130 soldiers to Shemya Island in the Aleutians.
This move comes amid joint naval drills by Russia and China in the Pacific.
The deployment highlights the Army’s capability to project significant firepower swiftly.
The exercise emphasizes the importance of Arctic combat readiness.
An official has called for a stronger military presence for safety.

Rapid Deployment to Alaska

The US Army has quickly mobilized weapons and soldiers to Shemya Island in the Aleutian archipelago. This operation involved about 130 troops and essential equipment like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), communications systems, and radar technology. Major Gen. Joseph Hilbert of the 11th Airborne Division noted the importance of demonstrating the ability to move forces rapidly to remote, strategically significant locations. The Alaska Air National Guard and the Air Force transported these assets, further showcasing joint operational capabilities.

Per Business Insider, this event coincides with the largest Russian naval exercises since the Cold War, involving over 400 ships and 90,000 troops, underscoring an escalating arms race narrative. President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of provoking this competition and neglecting the security concerns of its allies.

Significance of Force Projection

The deployment of HIMARS and other advanced military technologies underscores the significance of long-range fires in force projection and deterrence. These exercises are visible to both allies and adversaries, sending a clear signal of the US military’s readiness and capability. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert emphasized that the US Army Pacific must be ready to operate in the Arctic, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.

“The Army looks at us to be Arctic experts,” Hilbert said, and as a part of US Army Pacific, “we’ve got to be ready to operate in the region as a part of the land power there.”

This exercise is a show of force designed to reassure US allies and serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries. Hilbert highlighted that the Army’s ability to deploy anywhere with minimal notice and significant firepower represents a critical strategic capability. This deployment aims to “suddenly create a dilemma” for any potential adversary, showcasing the flexibility and power of the US military.

The US Army put on a sudden show of force out on the far edge of Alaska to send the message it can as Russia and China drill in the Pacific https://t.co/jPS9hf1ytU

— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) September 14, 2024

Regional Impacts and Local Concerns

This increased military presence follows a confrontation involving the US Coast Guard and Chinese warships in the Aleutian Islands in July. Commercial fishing vessels had reported unusual activity in the region, prompting the Coast Guard cutter Kimball and an HC-130 Hercules plane to monitor the Chinese Navy Task Group for over 12 hours. The Coast Guard was on high alert, ensuring that there were no disruptions to US interests in the maritime environment around Alaska, according to Rear Adm. Megan Dean, the Coast Guard’s Alaska district commander.

Local officials and the fishing industry have expressed concerns about the increased presence of foreign military vessels. One official, Unalaska mayor Vince Tutiakoff Sr., called for a stronger US military presence to ensure safety and stability in the region. These exercises aim to maintain Arctic combat readiness and work with allies to secure a significant strategic position across the Pacific.