On Monday the Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB) began its largest military training exercise of the year. Roughly 5,000 U.S. active duty, national guard, and reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marine participants will take part in the Northern Edge 2008 exercise.

Hosted by the Alaskan Command, the air-centric exercise will involve more than 120 Air Force, Army, Air National Guard, Navy and Marie aircraft. Airspace throughout the Pacific Alaska Range Complex and in the Gulf of Alaska will be occupied by craft from the Eielson AFB and Elmendorf AFB.

The goal of the exercise is to train warfighters to respond in the Asian Pacific region by practicing operations, techniques and procedures to improve command, control, communication relationships and develop interoperable plans and programs. Techniques and procedures highlighted by the release issued by the Elmendorf AFB include defensive counter air, close-air support, air interdiction of maritime targets, personnel recovery missions and opportunity to integrate new weapon systems to evaluate full potential performance. The release did not specify why there would be a need for defensive operations in the Asian Pacific region.

Part of the focus of the exercise is environmental protection, as the Air Force has conducted a cumulative assessment of the affects of joint exercise on the environment. Through coordination and planning the Air Force aims to mitigate harm to the environment. Assessments of training impacts will be an ongoing process as the Air Force works to minimize their environmental impact.

The exercise will run through May 16, and Alaskan residents may see and hear increased flying activity.