Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks is in Alaska this weekend to engage in discussions with service members and experts regarding quality of life concerns and the Defense Department’s response to climate change’s potential impact on national security in the region.
During her visit, Hicks plans to travel to multiple locations in Alaska, including Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
At each installation, Hicks will conduct roundtable discussions with service members, focusing on topics such as access to mental health care, and efforts to prevent suicide.
Her itinerary includes tours of housing facilities, barracks, childcare centers, commissaries, healthcare facilities, and recreational venues to see observe firsthand the improvements implemented by the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
Hicks will speak with experts studying the potential effects of climate change on the Defense Department’s ability to safeguard America’s interests. According to the Department of Defense, Alaska is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
Her visit coincides with the planned stopover of Air Force One on Sunday, as President Joe Biden makes his way back from Japan, landing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for fueling. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been posted for air space around Anchorage starting at 10:30 am on Sunday and residents can expect to see military jets in the area.
Last month, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan grilled Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro over the prioritization of climate change over military readiness.
The senator was asking why the Navy is not focusing on its shipbuilding plan — which is required by statute — but instead released its climate action plan.
“The Chinese military is not worried about climate change. It is worried about shipbuilding, hypersonics, and conducting a successful military invasion of Taiwan. Russia is not worried about climate change, it is worried about pushing its aggression deeper into Ukraine. And yet we have a secretary who’s releasing his climate action plan before it does anything on shipping. It’s remarkable. It’s outrageous. The only ones who are excited about it are Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin,” Sen Sullivan said.
