Operation Polar Dagger Returns to Bering Strait With Expanded Footprint
U.S. Special Operations Command North will conduct Operation Polar Dagger across western Alaska from Aug. 15 through Aug. 31, expanding its annual Arctic homeland defense activity across the Bering Strait region. The official release describes the operation as training and community engagement designed to demonstrate Special Operations Forces’ ability to deploy rapidly in the Arctic. 1
The exercise will have a larger footprint than in previous years, according to KNOM Radio. Activity is planned in and around Nome, Savoonga, Gambell, Wales, Tin City, Point Hope and Little Diomede. The official notice refers to operations near Nome, Point Hope, St. Lawrence Island, Wales, Tin City and Little Diomede Island. 1 2
Nome will serve as the logistics hub. Residents may see C-17 and C-130 cargo aircraft, Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook and HH-60 helicopters and U.S. Coast Guard cutters, Lt. Col. Timothy Matson, SOCNORTH’s future operations Arctic and air planner, told KNOM. 2
SOCNORTH said the operation will involve localized activity in air, land and maritime domains. It said no public-use areas will close and that the activities will take place at designated sites in coordination with local and tribal authorities. 1
The Bering Strait is the exercise’s operational focus. Matson said the aim is to cover the approaches to the strait or, at minimum, demonstrate U.S. interest in the strategic sea line of communication.
“To cover all entrances and exits of the Bering Strait, or at least demonstrate that the United States has an interest in that strategic sea line of communication,” Matson said. 2
The operation also connects homeland defense to local communications resilience. SOCNORTH will continue installing high-frequency radios in Bering Strait villages, Matson said. The radios could provide a backup channel during a disaster or power outage, while Alaska State Defense Force personnel could use them to report concerns to the Alaska National Guard. 2
The reported presence of Green Berets reflects Polar Dagger’s special operations purpose. KNOM’s coverage includes a 2024 image of 10th Special Forces Group soldiers operating in Wales during a previous iteration of the exercise. SOCNORTH has said Polar Dagger tests the ability of special operations forces to operate in the Arctic with joint and interagency partners. 1 2
Polar Dagger is coordinated with Alaska Command’s Operation Tundra Merlin, an effort that integrates joint air and land capabilities to strengthen deterrence and readiness in the Alaskan theater. SOCNORTH said Polar Dagger complements Tundra Merlin by exercising special operations capabilities within a layered homeland defense approach. 1
Matson said tribal sovereignty is central to the exercise’s planning. Before operating on tribal, city or Native corporation lands, he said, SOCNORTH officials seek permission from the relevant local leaders.
“If you guys don’t want us here I’m going to get back on those helicopters, and you’ll never see me again,” Matson told KNOM. 2
SOCNORTH’s official release likewise says activities have been coordinated with local and tribal authorities and will respect local customs, personnel safety and wildlife. 1
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