Encountering a change in climate on a temporary basis, approximately 30 Arizona National Guardsmen from the 259th Engineer Platoon recently began training exercises in Alaska as part of an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT), an Army release said.
The squadron is committed to building a 2,700-foot extension of a local airport runway, which when complete is expected to augment the surrounding area’s economy; additionally, the project will improve military readiness, the release said.
The Guard members, who will be stationed near Old Harbor, Alaska until early August, expressed appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
"From seeing the bald eagles flying by to being surrounded by beautiful mountains, it's an amazing opportunity," 1st Lt. Kevin Sartor said in the release.
Anytime we can operate our equipment and hone our skills as operators, it benefits the entire state of Arizona, Sgt. Orlando Avila said in the release.
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