Governor Dunleavy Issues Statement on Unidentified Object Shot Down Over Alaska

Feb 10, 2023

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement today regarding the unidentified object shot down this morning over Alaskan waters.

“Today’s announcement by the Pentagon that an unidentified object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson over Alaska’s coastline raises serious national security concerns that should concern every American. I want to thank our Alaska-based military for eliminating the potential threat before it was flying over our land.

This latest intrusion into our airspace raises serious questions about the White House’s decision to not shoot down a Chinese spy balloon last week when it was above the Aleutian Chain and prevent it from flying over important military sites in the Lower-48.

Unlike other states, Alaska is truly on the front lines. Because of our close proximity to our neighbors there is very little margin for error. Russian territory is only a few miles away. We are the one state closest to the Korean Peninsula and China. Alaska is truly on the front lines.

As such, decisions need to be made quickly to preserve the territorial integrity of Alaska and the United States. This incident is further evidence that the military capability of Alaska is robust. An important discussion should ensue about improving those capabilities, including icebreakers, Army, Air Force and Navy capabilities.

If the last few days are any indication, this may be the new norm and we must be prepared. The Alaska National Guard is working closely with USNORTHCOM and other agencies to provide any support as requested.

This latest incident demonstrates that Alaska remains the most strategic place on earth for both geopolitics and national defense.”

Lex Anteinternet: October 20, 1920. Trips and Monarchs

Lex Anteinternet: October 20, 1920. Trips and Monarchs:   

October 20, 1920. Trips and Monarchs

 

Nicholas Longworth and his wife Alice, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt with President Warren G. Harding. Also in the photographs is Frank B. Willis, a candidate for senator for Ohio.  October 20, 1920.

On this day in 1920 Yugoslavia's government voted to become a monarchy with the Serbian  Karađorđević dynastic family as its monarchs.  A king would not be installed for a year.

British Columbia rejected national prohibition of alcohol, an option available to Canadian provinces.  It was the first to do so, but it wouldn't be the last.

Joseph Sadi-Lecointe sets a World Aviation Speed Record flying a Nieuport-Delâge 29V 302.53 kilometers per hour.  He's go on to become an aviation official in the French government, resigning that post after the defeat of France in 1940 as he would not serve the Vichy government.  He was active in the resistance and arrested by the Gestapo in 1944.  He was released after being held for two months, but died as a result of injuries received from torture while a prisoner.

On the same day the Army's Black Wolf Squadron returned to Mitchell Field in New York after having flown all the way to Ft. Davis at Nome Alaska and back.

Alaska Aviation Museum

Alaska Aviation Museum

The Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage Alaska, just outside of a seaplane port (and with its own nice tower for viewing the seaplanes) is a really nice museum with an impressive collection of aircraft.  Anyone in the Anchorage area who has a fondness for aircraft, or who might simply wonder about the close connection between modern Alaska and the airplane, ought to pay it a visit. Well worth seeing.

Consolidated PBY Catalina at the Alaska Aviation Museum.

Ford Model T.

Aircraft skis.

Sterman.

UH-1.

F-15.

3/4 size Neuport replica.

Grummon Goose.

Portion of P-40.

Perhaps  because of the size of this entry, which actually is a blog mirror entry on this site, it consistently takes up a whole page on the Areodrome.  I have no idea why really, but its frustrating as it looks like the last page on the blog. 

It isn't.  There are other entries after this one.  I.e., older entries.  If you enjoy this site, don't stop here!