Northern Edge Participants Make Safety and Environment Issues #1 Priority

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Kevin Aune
  • 613 AOC
Elmendorf AFB, AK --  Joint US forces hone current and test future applications of contingency operations in a variety of environmental circumstances in Northern Edge 08 (NE08), while taking every precaution to protect the Alaskan environment.
All participants consider safety and environmental issues during flight operations. Extensive orientations and familiarization flights inform pilots of the limits of the military training ranges and military operating areas (MOA) to include altitude and speed restrictions. Battle Management Flight Commander Captain R. Stroback, of the 353 CTS stated, "daily briefs concerning noise-sensitive areas, boundaries of the MOA, and observable flight limitations are provided to the pilots prior to departure." Strobach continued to say that any infraction of altitude or speed restrictions is unacceptable and crews that violate these restrictions are disciplined.
In an effort to reduce the potential number of complaints which inevitably arise from exercises of this magnitude, commanders, working with Public Affairs, undertook aggressive public outreach efforts. Before the exercise, they issued radio and TV broadcasts, print releases, and contacted administrators in Alaska native villages and towns in potentially affected areas.
These contacts provide the civilian community with a better understanding of exercise activities and what can be done in the event of excessive noise in the area.
Eleventh Air Force has an established noise complaint program and oversees the 354th Fighter Wing and 3rd Wing's resolution of all noise complaints.
Residents living in Southcentral Alaska may call (907) 552-5756, and Interior Alaska residents may call (907) 377-2116. The state wide toll free number is 1-800-538-6647 (1-800-JET-NOIS).
In the event of damage caused by excessive noise (sonic booms cracking windshields, windows and the like), affected members may contact the nearest base legal office who will investigate and help process claims. If the validity of the incident is proven, restitutions will be made.
All flight activities will be conducted in the Alaska Pacific Area Range Complex (PARC) or in special use airspace across the state. As a result, small civilian aircraft flying in MOAs are encouraged to use the Special Use Airspace Information Service by calling 800-758-8723. Pilots are also urged to obtain the most current status of the MOAs from any FAA automated flight service station, Anchorage center, or Eielson range control and to always file a flight plan.
Since Alaska provides incredible resources and opportunities for the U.S. military, the state will continue to be a favored location for future exercises. However, the military realizes its responsibility to the community and environment to help preserve those same resources to the utmost of its ability while continuing with its mission, and will take every measure to safeguard those resources.