Senator Sullivan welcomes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during recent visit to Alaska

Recently, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan welcomed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Air Force General Dan Caine during a brief visit to Alaska.

This was his first visit to Alaska in his current capacity. During his visit on May 28, he met with senior military leaders and partners to gain insights into the unique operational environment in the Arctic and Pacific regions.

“It is an honor to be here up in Alaska in this decisive terrain for our nation’s security,” said General Caine in a video posted to YouTube, speaking with Senator Sullivan. “It’s an incredible honor for me to be here with these great soldiers, sailors, airmen, (and) marines out here, getting after it everyday to protect and defend our freedoms up on the northern flank.”

Senator Sullivan said it was an honor to have General Caine make his first visit to Alaska in his role as CJCS, saying the men had a great visit and as General Caine was briefed on what is happening in Alaska and the Arctic region. “We are definitely on the front lines of everything that’s happening in an increasingly dangerous world,” the senator commented, adding:

“General Caine and I spent time at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, meeting with our men and women in uniform and receiving briefings on the escalating threats in the North Pacific by the Russians and the Chinese, as well as the need for more robust military investments in our great state.”

General Caine and Senator Sullivan also made a visit to American Legion Post 28 in Anchorage, speaking with veterans from the most recent conflicts, Vietnam and even the Korean War, also speaking with their families.

Senator Sullivan, the last actively serving Marine in the U.S. Senate, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve last year following over 30 years of service, something General Caine noted, thanking him not only for his military service, but continuing to serve the country as a senator.

“You still clearly care so deeply for this nation. It comes through every day.”

Of the visit, Senator Sullivan gave kudos to the nation’s highest-ranking military officer as they look to future initiatives and the budget.

“We’re working right now on a major budget reconciliation bill with a significant military section for our state, including the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, and a massive, historic investment in our Coast Guard—likely the biggest in its history. All of these issues are on the table, and General Caine has influence in each of them through the Pentagon.”