F-35As from the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base coordinated additional simulated strikes with the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS *Ottawa* and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter *Stratton*. An E-3 Sentry from the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson provided Aerospace Warning and Control, while an Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker supplied aerial refueling.
A Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora and the Royal Canadian Navy submarine HMCS *Corner Brook* detected and tracked U.S. Coast Guard Cutter *Aspen* north of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Canadian crews then relayed real-time data through multiple communications pathways to enable a simulated strike against the vessel.
The scenario was designed to validate the binational force’s ability to find, fix, track, target, engage and assess maritime threats. Within that sequence, the F-35As provided the fighter strike element while the E-3 supplied airborne warning and control.
“This scenario showcases our ability to hold simulated adversarial maritime activity at risk through a seamless kill chain involving air and maritime forces,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert D. Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force. “Integrating operations from two Air Forces, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard demonstrates our collective capability and our will to defend the homelands in the Arctic.”
Operation TUNDRA MERLIN brings together forces intended to deter and prepare to defeat threats in the Alaskan Theater of Operations. U.S. Northern Command said the activity strengthens homeland defense and protects the northern approaches to North America.
