This summer Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) deployed troops into the Arctic to conduct training exercises in the Bering Sea, the Arctic Circle, and around Lawrence Island in Alaska.
SOCNORTH deployed troops for Operation Polar Dagger from 160th Special Operations Aviation, Navy SEALs, Naval Special Warfare Combat Crews, and the Army's 528th Special Operations (Airborne) Sustainment Brigade Austere Resuscitative Surgical aboard the USS John L. Canley which is an expeditionary sea base ship which supports numerous types of operations including special ops.
"Military forces must effectively strengthen their ability to survive and operate in austere environments with honed expertise and specialized equipment to overcome the challenges presented by the Alaskan Arctic and High North," explained Col. Matthew Tucker, who is the SOCNORTH commander.
During Op Polar Dagger, special ops troops conducted a number of different operations including over-the-beach infiltrations, long-range movements, maritime interdictions, medical evacuation and personnel recovery, and conducted engagements with Alaskan native communities.
Due to the austere conditions in the Arctic, it is unlikely that full-scale combat will ever take place there, but recon, search and rescue, and interdiction missions are possibilities.
"If you can operate in the Arctic maritime environment, you can operate anywhere," said the Navy Special Boat Team commander.
Polar Dagger is an annual event that takes place during the summer months, and positions SOCNORTH to support Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to detect, deter, and disrupt potential threats to the United States.