During Operation Polar Vortex, the Naval and Amphibious Liaison Force (NALE), commanded by the U.S. 3rd Fleet and supported by the U.S. Fleet, was located at the binational Alaska North American Aerospace Defense Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (NORAD) region. .NALE is primarily a function of the Naval Reserve, and given the operational tempo of this unique task, Reserve officer personnel make up approximately 98 percent of NALE billets. NALE sailors train for mobilization into billet (MOB-to-billet) positions and are typically deployed on orders for 90 to 270 days to conduct planned training exercises, freedom of navigation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, etc. Respond to both operations and immediate crises. MOB to billet transition is the activation (outside of training) of a SELRES sailor to serve in an authorized and funded personnel billet under a permanently assigned command.
NALE units are attached to U.S. Fleet Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, European and African Navy, and most numbered fleets.
While in Alaska, NALE collaborated with U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel from the 611th Air Operations Center (AOC) to quickly connect maritime and air domain awareness during polar vortex operations to quickly improve Arctic territory. Improved awareness.
“The situational awareness that NALE provided is the most maritime awareness the AOC has had in the 14 years I’ve been here,” said Alaska Air National Guard Col. Jeff Smith, 611th AOC deputy commander. “We are very pleased to see a coordinated effort between the aviation and maritime sectors.”
By co-locating, NALE and the 611th AOC provide instant coordination of information to the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) and detailed surface-to-air operations over some of Alaska’s most remote areas of operations. We were able to provide real-time operational status. .
NALE worked to seamlessly integrate maritime domain awareness expertise and employ the Navy P-8 Poseidon alongside joint and bilateral air assets. This collaboration improved joint force tactical performance and validated command and control and tactical execution of mission objectives among various aircraft, including simulated air-to-ground attack exercises.
“NALE has been essential to air operations,” said RCAF Brigadier General. Gen. David Mohr, Alaska NORAD Regional Deputy Commander; “They were critical in synchronizing air operations and naval air assets and providing information to enable JFACC to coordinate and support the maritime component.”
Third Fleet operations in the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) area of responsibility across the Gulf of Alaska are consistent with the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s goals to demonstrate homeland defense resolve and credible deterrence in the region. The operation also supported USNORTHCOM and NORAD’s mission to work with U.S. allies and partners to maintain homeland defense, aerospace warning and control, and stability in the Arctic region.
“NALE is an integral part of integrating the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and AOC and providing multi-domain awareness to commanders of both forces,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Chris “Turtle” Tull, NALE Director. ” he said. “NALE facilitates mission planning and execution that effectively meets commander intent by coordinating information between each commander’s leadership.”
NALE sailors regularly engage in training exercises, freedom of navigation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, enabling better integration between joint air assets. NALE provides necessary face-to-face contact between planners, commanders, and staff to ensure mutual understanding, unify efforts, and reduce friction between components.
Operating over vast distances and remote locations in the Arctic comes with many operational hurdles to overcome, including harsh weather and sea conditions that increase the risk to crew in the event of an accident. Enhanced communication between joint forces is essential to accomplishing missions while overcoming obstacles and mitigating operational risks.
Through joint and bilateral teamwork, NALE and the 611th AOC maximize domain awareness and more effectively utilize air assets, saving time and money while mitigating risk and improving tactical air assets. We were able to increase the efficient use of human resources.
