By Michael Tolzmann United States Air Force
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — When the son of a Bremen couple steps outside, inhaling crisp air on a base surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness in America's "last frontier," he is far more likely to run into a bear or moose than an enemy of the United States.

But Air Force Senior Airman Alex S. Baker, son of Ben and Kim Baker, East Fourth Rd., Bremen, and the rest of his colleagues are strategically as close to North Korea as they are to Washington, D.C. Baker recently participated in a massive American military exercise called "Northern Edge," where more than 9,000 U.S. service members sharpened their skills for responding to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Baker is an aircraft armament specialist with the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit.
"I'm responsible for loading weapons on the F-15s that help protect the United States," said Baker, a 2005 graduate of Bremen High School.
Military maneuvers over the Gulf of Alaska and areas of the Alaskan wilderness, in an area the size of New Mexico, allowed for aircraft to conduct maneuvers in ways that cannot be done anywhere else.
Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel participated with aircraft flying in simulated air combat, many times flying in excess of the speed of sound, a restriction found nearly everywhere else in the United States. Naval warships and land-based forces also synchronized with aircraft in creating a large combined force.
For Baker, this important exercise provides an opportunity for his unit to better itself in combat situations and in working with other American military services.
"An exercise like this is a big test of our skills and helps us maintain our combat readiness," said Baker.
With Alaska situated between Russia and Canada, and within a good part of the Arctic Circle, the region provides a unique setting for both professional and personal experiences.
"I enjoy the outdoor activities here in Alaska. I like working and training here because of the climate challenges that we face," said Baker.
Baker's personal military background illustrates why his experience is ideal for military operations in Alaska, such as this one.
"I've been in the Air Force for nearly four years - I plan on doing four more," said Baker.
With the sounds of jet aircraft screaming overhead, wildlife such as moose and bears are undeterred from randomly appearing at this frontier base. But with vigilance found by service members serving in this geographically important location, their efforts will help keep the region's greater threats at bay.