KuKaLaq Alutiiq dancers from Chenega Community

Chenega Bay, Alaska— The KuKaLaq Alutiiq dancers from Chenega Community School performs there native dances for a UH-60 crew from 1-52 Aviation Regiment as a part of community relations for starting Northern Edge on May 4, 2008. U.S. Forces want to make sure that the Northern Edge a joint exercise does not hinder the natives of Alaska. Northern Edge provides the opportunity to hone current and to test future applications of combat operations and weapon capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)(RELEASED)

Chenega Native Visit

Chenega Bay, Alaska— Chief Warrant Officer 2 Glenmore Heilman 1-52 Aviation Regiment explains to Chenega Community School children about the UH-60 capabilities as a part of community relations for starting Northern Edge on May 4, 2008. U.S. Forces want to make sure that the Northern Edge a joint exercise does not hinder the natives of Alaska. Northern Edge prepares Joint forces for worldwide deployment, and enables real world proficiency in detection and tracking of units at sea, in air and on land in response to multiple crises. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)(RELEASED)

Military visits the village of Chenega to discuss Northern Edge 2008

Published May 12, 2008
By ALCOM Public Affairs

CHENEGA, AK --     Chenega is located on Evans Island in Prince William Sound, 104 air miles southeast of Anchorage. It is a federally-recognized tribe located in this mostly Alutiiq community that practices a subsistence and commercial fishing lifestyle. Chenega is classified as an isolated village with one school, a small oyster farming operation, and a small boat harbor and dock.
   When this native village of 69 residents heard Northern Edge (NE08) was occurring nearby, they extended an invitation for the military to visit them. "Folks here are so very proud of our military, and we considered it a great honor to have these folks visit" said Darrell Totemoff, administrative assistant for the village of Chenega.
The residents of Chenega stated, "We do not think this (NE08) will affect us at all. We support the military, but what we would really like is a visit by a military ship or aircraft." Exercise organizers were happy to comply with Chenega's request. On 4 May a UH-60 Army Blackhawk flew to Chenega. The purpose of the visit was to share information about NE08, and to discuss any possible effects on Alaska's environment and its people.
   The aircraft and crew were greeted by Chenega's Village Council President and many village residents. Alaskan Command Native Affairs Advisor Jerome Montague, who accompanied the Army aircrew, provided introductions between the UH-60 aircrew and village residents. After introductions, the aircrew and Mr. Montague were invited to a special performance given by the KuKaLaq Alutiiq dance group at the Village Council Building, and an authentic Alaskan lunch of fresh Copper River salmon.
After lunch, residents and the aircrew exchanged gifts. Next was a tour of the village, and then residents explored the Blackhawk helicopter. As the aircrew prepped for departure, villagers took pictures of the aircraft and crew to e-mail to family and friends.

   Northern Edge 2008 is a joint training exercise running from 5-16 May 2008. The exercise is aimed at helping prepare forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region. Approximately 5,000 US active duty and reserve component soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are participating in the exercise by executing defensive counter-air, close-air support, air interdiction of maritime targets, and personnel recovery missions. The exercise involves over 120 aircraft and two US Navy destroyers, the USS Chafee and the USS John Paul Jones which will be in the Gulf of Alaska.