210506-Z-PL215-1001

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (May 6, 2021) A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft of Patrol Squadron One, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, takes off from the U.S. Air Force flight line at Joint Base Elmendorf-RIchardson, May 6, 2021, as part of Northern Edge 2021 operations. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Grace Nechanicky)