Increased air traffic at JBER now through July

Residents and visitors near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) may have noticed an increased aircraft noise and traffic as multiple exercises commence.

JBER has advised that RED FLAG-Alaska 24-2, Pacific Skies 24, and Arctic Defender 24 will create more noise for surrounding communities and the Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex.

RED FLAG-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise scheduled today through June 14, designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment enabling joint combined forces to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability with fellow allied forces.

Pacific Skies 24, a German-led deployment, is a combination of several exercises in which the German, French and Spanish air forces take part with U.S. forces.

German Tornado jets will practice low-level flying operations in Alaska and will be joined by additional allied aircraft for Arctic Defender, a field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown in Alaska scheduled July 8 through 17.

The exercises will culminate in the annual Arctic Thunder Open House on July 20 and 21, 2024, which is open to the public. The event will also bring increased civilian and military aircraft noise during and in the days immediately before the event.

Members of the community with questions or comments about JBER activities or this noise advisory should visit https://www.jber.jb.mil/Contact-Us/.