Military Conducting Large Exercise Over Alaska

The sparse expanses above Alaska are a little more crowded this month as nearly 200 military aircraft are taking part in an annual training exercise.

Nearly 6,000 military members from all four branches of the military are taking part in Northern Edge 2015, which includes naval exercises in the Gulf of Alaska and some operations involving ground troops. The U.S. Pacific Command exercise, coordinated by command leaders in Alaska, tests the readiness of the nation’s troops and isn’t in response to any increased tensions with any other nation, said Lt. Col. Tim Bobinsky, who is helping lead the exercise.