Statewide exercise tests local, state, federal, and non-government agencies ability to respond

Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson – Alaska Shield 2019 is a full-scale state-wide exercise that will test local, state, federal, and non-government agencies ability to work as a team when catastrophes strike. Alaska Shield 2019 will take place April 10 – 13, 2019. Every few years the Alaska Shield series of exercises focuses on a disaster scenario that could impact Alaskans. In 2019, the focus will be to test the capabilities of responding to terroristic acts with biological, cyber, explosive, and hostage elements.

More than 11 communities, five state agencies, 12 federal entities, and two non-profit organizations will participate in Alaska Shield 2019. The Alaska Shield 2019 exercise incorporates the Alaska National Guard’s Arctic Eagle, the active duty military’s Arctic Resolve, U.S. Coast Guard’s Pelagic Strike, and State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Ragin’ Contagin’ exercises. Alaska Shield 2019 enables state and federal resources to practice responding with communities and non-government partners.

“We learn so much before, during, and after these exercises,” said Mike Sutton, director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  “Bringing our organizations together to plan helps us understand one another’s mission, the exercise illustrates each organizations capabilities, and the review of what we learned provides a road map to improvement and continued partnership.”

Sutton said, “The exercise provides a safe, no-fault environment for Alaska’s emergency management community to explore our response capabilities.”

Alaska Shield exercises take place every two or three years. Each exercise cycle addresses a different emergency management concern. In 2016, the exercise focused on the response to active shooter events throughout the state while Alaska Shield 2014 simulated Alaskan’s response to the magnitude and effects of a 1964 Good Friday Earthquake in today’s environment.  

Alaska Shield exercise is an opportunity for communities and agencies to test their emergency response and recovery capabilities. Individuals and families should prepare for disasters by developing a family emergency plan, building an emergency kit, and understanding information about the risks and hazards that they could face. More information on emergency preparedness can be found at Ready.Alaska.Gov.

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