Northern Edge

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — When the son of a Harlingen 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 Tech. Sgt. Bishop B. Bailey, son of Ray and Theresa Ramos, Sunnyside Drive, Harlingen, and the rest of his colleagues, are strategically as close to North Korea as they are to Washington D.C. Bailey 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.

Bailey is assigned to the 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"I’m a weapons load crew team chief on the F-22 Raptor," Bailey, a 2001 graduate of Harlingen High School, said.

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 Bailey, this important exercise provides an opportunity for his unit to better itself in combat situations and in working with other American military services.

"This exercise allows us to train and practice the skills needed to operate in real world conflicts and operations," Bailey said.

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.

"Alaska is a great place to be part of a ‘total force’ integration of active duty troops and reserve troops on the F-22 Raptor program. And as for as the countryside, it’s really something to see," Bailey said.

Bailey’s personal military background illustrates why his experience is ideal for military operations in Alaska, such as this one.

"I’ve been serving in the military for eight years in places like Korea, Saudi Arabia, Idaho and now Alaska," Bailey said.

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.