Anchorage, Alaska - Major General Craig E. Campbell, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Lieutenant General Douglas Fraser, ALCOM Commander; John Madden, Division Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; and Nelson Cohen, United States Attorney for Alaska are announcing the beginning of the Alaska Shield Northern Edge 2007. This exercise tests the homeland security and emergency response preparedness and capability within the State of Alaska.
"Alaska provides valuable resources to our neighbors in the Lower 48 and we have a history of severe natural disasters," Maj. Gen. Campbell said. "Governor Sarah Palin has given me specific direction to make sure the state is prepared to lead the charge in homeland security and emergency management for protection and response to possible terrorist attacks and natural disasters."
This year's exercise will include some 75 participating agencies from the federal government, State of Alaska, many local governments and the private sector. The participants will be engaged in the activities of the exercise for about two weeks and the first event will take place in early May.
"Because of its size and strategic importance, Alaska is unique in hosting a military command focused on the defense and, when requested, support of the state," said Lt. Gen. Fraser. "This exercise is an opportunity to show how the local, state and federal partnership in Alaska provides the highest level of security and response."
Details of the exercise events are being closely guarded to ensure first responders have the most realistic experience and training available.
"This is a crucial event to showcase how cooperation and participation leads to success between a state and the federal government," Director Madden said. "Homeland security is a discipline, not a reaction, in Alaska and we look forward to a fantastic learning experience next month."