FAIRBANKS, Ak. – (Feb. 18, 2025) A thick blanket of white snow covered the environment as clear directions rang out in the cold, with the breath from the medic’s mouth forming frost on his eyelashes in temperatures well below zero degrees. The pounding rhythm of a Black Hawk helicopter thumped louder and louder as calls were made to ensure care for a wounded service member. After exchanging the simulated patient with the causality evacuation personnel, teammates high-five as they start their journey back to the camp site.
This scenario was common in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, for nearly three weeks where more than 100 Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel, 30 organizations, and two partner nations came together for Special...
U.S., Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands along with interagency partners use skis to traverse Arctic terrain during medical training at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Jan. 12, 2026. Special Operations Forces Arctic Medic 2026 enhanced SOF readiness through real-world scenarios in an austere climate and ensures a lethal fighting force to win wars. (U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Kotara)
U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) completed unit level training in Virginia Beach in May, 2025, qualifying the operators in all aspects of special operations. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world's most lethal maritime special operations forces to ensure the United States will deter and win wars. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jake Vernier)
