U.S. military officials plan to revive Cold War-era bases in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands as Russian and Chinese naval forces increasingly patrol waters near American territory.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Coast Guard observed Chinese and Russian vessels near Alaskan waters in October 2024, marking the third consecutive year of joint operations in the region
- Admiral Samuel Paparo supports reopening the naval facility on Adak Island and upgrading Eareckson Air Station on Shemya
- The 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels,” has been deployed to Shemya Island with HIMARS missile systems and advanced radar
- Russia’s Pacific Fleet is expanding with advanced capabilities including Zircon hypersonic missiles
- The Aleutian Islands serve as a strategic gateway to Arctic corridors that are becoming increasingly competitive due to climate change
Growing Russian-Chinese Military Presence Near Alaska
U.S. military leaders are increasingly concerned about the expanding military cooperation between Russia and China near American territories. In October 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard identified both Russian and Chinese naval vessels operating in the Bering Sea near Alaska.
This marks the third consecutive year that forces from these two nations have conducted joint military operations in proximity to U.S. territory. The persistent activity reflects the strengthening alliance between Moscow and Beijing, which both view the Arctic region as strategically vital for their long-term military and economic interests.
The strategic significance of these operations cannot be understated. Russia’s Pacific Fleet, based relatively close to the Aleutians, continues to expand its capabilities and frequently operates along key maritime routes that connect the Pacific to the Arctic.
Meanwhile, China’s growing naval power and its self-declared status as a “near-Arctic state” signal Beijing’s intentions to establish a permanent presence in northern waters, despite having no territorial claims in the region.
Revival of Strategic Cold War Bases
In response to these developments, top U.S. military officials are advocating for the reestablishment of Cold War-era military infrastructure on the Aleutian Islands. Admiral Samuel Paparo has voiced strong support for reopening the naval facility on Adak Island, which served as a critical anti-submarine warfare base during the Cold War but was deactivated in the 1990s. Additionally, he has called for substantial upgrades to Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island, which currently hosts advanced radar systems and functions as an emergency diversion airport.
“Facilities on Adak and Shemya would give the United States “time and distance on any force capability that is looking to penetrate” American waters or airspace”, Paparo said.
The proposed revival of Adak could create a forward base capable of hosting P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which excel at anti-submarine warfare operations. This capability would be particularly valuable as intelligence reports suggest Russia’s submarine fleet will significantly expand in coming years, potentially deploying advanced technologies like Zircon hypersonic missiles. Furthermore, there are concerns that Russian-Chinese cooperation could enhance China’s submarine capabilities, potentially allowing Chinese submarines to operate in Arctic waters.
Deployment of the “Arctic Angels”
The Pentagon has already taken concrete steps to strengthen America’s military posture in Alaska. The 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels,” has been deployed to Shemya Island as part of a force protection operation. This elite unit brings significant combat power to the region, including HIMARS missile systems and AN/TPQ-53 radar systems designed to detect and track incoming artillery and rocket fire. Originally activated during World War II, the division was recently reconstituted specifically to address emerging Arctic security challenges.
“As the number of hostile exercises around Alaska and throughout the region increases, including the joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol in June, the Shemya Island operation demonstrates the division’s ability to respond to events in the Indo-Pacific or around the world with swift and lethal force in a matter of hours”, said Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commander of the 11th Airborne Division.
The deployment comes amid increasing Russian aerial activity near Alaska. U.S. forces have intercepted Russian military aircraft in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone multiple times this year alone. While no direct violations of U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace have been reported, these frequent approaches demonstrate Russia’s intention to maintain a persistent presence near North American territories and to test American response capabilities.
Strategic Significance of the Aleutian Chain
The Aleutian Islands form a 1,200-mile archipelago stretching from Alaska toward Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This chain serves as a natural barrier between the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, effectively controlling access to Arctic maritime routes that are becoming increasingly navigable due to climate change. The strategic value of this region was previously demonstrated during World War II when Japanese forces captured and occupied several islands in the chain, the only instance of enemy occupation of U.S. territory during that conflict.
“Every time a state vessel or aircraft enters the area, it’s collecting information,” said Troy Bouffard, an Arctic security expert at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.”
Congressional support for strengthening America’s Arctic military posture appears to be growing. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has been a particularly vocal advocate for reopening the Adak base. General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, testified before Congress earlier this year that revitalizing these facilities would provide crucial “maritime and air access” for American forces. As geopolitical competition in the Arctic intensifies, America’s military presence in the Aleutians may prove essential to safeguarding national security interests in this increasingly contested region.
