Operation Tundra Merlin is designed to ensure the defence of U.S. land and waters within the Alaskan Theater of Operations while integrating regional partners to support North American defence in the Western Arctic. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, said, “Operations in the Alaskan Theater of Operations are critically important to North American Homeland Defense,” adding, “Operation Tundra Merlin demonstrates the Joint Force’s ability to seamlessly integrate capabilities from multiple combatant commands and mission partners to deter and defeat potential threats in the region.”
During this iteration, Alaskan Command led integrated operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Alaska Air National Guard. The operation was executed by the 611th Air Operations Center and featured USCG Cutter Kimball and U.S. Navy assets providing targeting data to two B-52 Stratofortress bombers for simulated weapons employment.
Four U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighters from the 354th Fighter Wing enhanced mission security and operational effectiveness while escorting the bombers through the Alaskan Theater of Operations, demonstrating their capability to operate in demanding Arctic conditions. The mission also included aerial refuelling by two KC-135 Stratotankers, personnel recovery support from an Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J, and a seamless transfer of command and control to the 613th Air Operations Center supporting USIDOPACOM as the bombers exited the region.
