From May 9 to May 18, 2026, U.S. military joint forces, in partnership with Kodiak Area Native Association executed the Kodiak Arctic Care 2026 Innovative Readiness Training mission. During the mission, service members received real-world hands-on training while providing no-cost health care to the Kodiak, Alaska, community and its five remote villages — Ouzinkie, Port Lions, Larsen Bay, Old Harbour and Akhiok. Service members assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak also contributed to the mission by providing several facilities for the IRT and assisting with clinic operations.
Throughout the IRT, more than 240 service members provided medical, optometry, dental, behavioral health and nutrition services to Kodiak residents who lack immediate access to health care. This care was provided even after challenges like funding cuts, leadership changes and equipment delays threatened mission operations. However, quick and proactive problem-solving by the Kodiak Arctic Care 2026 leadership team, KANA and other local entities coordinated amidst a four-hour time difference, resulting in the clinic opening without losing over 75% of planned operating time.
As of May 13, 1,816 hours of valuable training for service members had been logged. The mission also provided approximately $381,794.12 of fair market value to the Kodiak community at no cost.
“Sometimes people delay care because of cost, transportation, scheduling or simply not knowing where to start,” said Nichole Miles, KANA vice president of public affairs. “Arctic Care creates another opportunity for people to walk through the door and receive care in a welcoming environment.”