Marine Corps expands presence in Alaska to strengthen Arctic readiness

The United States Marine Corps has launched a strategic initiative known as "Campaign - Alaska," significantly expanding its footprint in the ‘High North’ to enhance Arctic readiness, according to a May 9 press release from Senator Dan Sullivan.

The initiative includes two key efforts: Marine Rotational Force–Alaska (MRF-Alaska), which will bring Marines to Alaska for persistent Arctic training and exercises, and Supporting Arms Liaison Team–Alaska (SALT-Alaska), a permanent Marine Corps detachment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Together, these efforts will enhance the Marine Corps’ ability to train, operate, and deter adversaries in the Arctic and improve coordination with joint and allied forces.

Senator Sullivan, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support’ and a USMC veteran, welcomed the United States Marine Corps’ announcement, saying: “As a Marine who served for 30 years, I could not be more excited to see the Marine Corps making this commitment to Alaska.”

The senator has work on increasing the USMC presence in Alaska, which aligns with the 2026 National Defense Strategy, which identifies the Arctic as a region of increasing geopolitical competition. As a key strategic location, Alaska is unparalleled for Arctic training and rapid deployment. The launch of Marine Rotational Force–Alaska and the new JBER Liaison Team signal a long-term expansion, bringing elite expeditionary capabilities to the region and strengthening our joint force capacity.

“In this era of strategic competition, Alaska is critical to homeland defense and a vital theater for global power projection in the Arctic," said Lt. Gen. Bobbi Shea, Commanding General, Marine Forces Northern Command. “The Marine Corps Campaign - Alaska is a deliberate and necessary step to ensure we provide the Joint Force with a combat-credible force to support the National Defense Strategy.”