Northern strength
F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-22 Raptors and a KC-135 Stratotanker conduct sorties over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 13, 2026. The flight provided Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Danish Gen. Michael Hyldgaard, chief of defense, a firsthand look at Alaska’s unique training environment while highlighting U.S. and allied readiness and cooperation in the Arctic. (Courtesy photo)