JBER continues Polar Force exercise

Published April 2, 2019
673 ABW/PA

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson would like to extend an opportunity to local media to cover two aspects of the Polar Force exercise, both happening on April 3.

First, Air Force and Air National Guard medical personnel will demonstrate their ability to quickly expand the number of patients that can be admitted to the Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Joint-Venture Hospital, here. The 673d Medical Group is a casualty reception center with the mission capability of tripling the number of beds for inpatient care.

The second event will exhibit how Airmen of the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron, also known as “Dirt Boyz” conduct Rapid Runway Repair Operations in a simulated toxic environment.

Polar Force is a two-week exercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness and to strengthen the skills Airmen require when facing adverse situations. JBER Airmen continue being challenged and evaluated during week two of Polar Force 19-4, which concludes April 5.

Media who wish to cover either or both portions of Polar Force training Wednesday, April 3, should contact the JBER Public Affairs office by sending an email to jber.pa.mediaops@us.af.mil or calling (907) 552-8160 by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Apr. 2 and provide the name of the media outlet, the reporter and a phone number.