U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz are touring the state in an effort to push for national security in the Arctic. Their visit Monday in Nome coincides with the National Defense Authorization Act, which was scheduled to be signed by President Donald Trump.
Military
Top military officials visit Alaska bases
High-ranking military brass visited Alaska as part of the annual pilgrimage by federal officials and cabinet members during the August recess. Though national defense spending is up, different services are facing major recruitment challenges.
Congress authorizes six icebreakers in Pentagon bill
The nation’s annual defense policy bill cleared Congress with a pay raise for the troops and a provision allowing up to six icebreakers.
Y-K Delta communities mull options for National Guard armories
With the Cold War long over, and Alaska Army National Guard recruitment plummeting, the old armories aren’t needed to conduct surveillance as they did in the past.
Klawock totem pole to honor Alaska Native veterans
The three-day pole-raising celebration is scheduled for Aug. 16-18. The pole will honor Alaska Native veterans.
Young Coast Guardsman puts training to the test in Glacier Bay rescue
Some kayakers in Glacier Bay got knocked around by the waves and stranded. An aspiring Coast Guard rescuer hopped into the 50-degree water and swam them to safety.