Geophysical Institute organizes defense forum to discuss shared goals

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has organized this year’s Alaska Defense Forum, which brings together military leaders, researchers, policymakers and local partners to confront shared challenges and shape Alaska’s defense future. 

The event will be held Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 25-27, with the first day consisting of local tours and the remaining days for sessions at the 8 Star Event Center, 1485 30th Ave. in Fairbanks. The Geophysical Institute is organizing the event in collaboration with the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. and the Association of Defense Communities.

“We don’t just improve quality of life when we solve local challenges such as workforce gaps, aging infrastructure or child care shortages,” said Brittany Smart, senior adviser for defense, community and research at the Geophysical Institute. “We strengthen installation resilience and enable force readiness to make Alaska a place where missions succeed.”

Many Alaska communities can be considered Department of Defense communities, not just those with military installations, Smart added, noting the extensive presence of dual-use infrastructure such as airstrips and ports.

“Building and maintaining strong partnerships between Alaska’s many military base communities and the Defense Department serves us all well,” she said.

The Alaska Defense Forum has been held four times, in 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Among the 12 key speakers this year are Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary Nancy Balkus; Erin Whitney, director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Arctic Energy Office; David Dentino, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, housing and partnerships; Dave Leinberger, chief of Army Community Partnerships; and Tammie Perreault, northwest region liaison for the Defense-State Liaison Office of the Department of Defense.

UAF interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga, Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins and Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance are also among the 12 speakers.

A limited number of conference participants will tour some of the Geophysical Institute’s research facilities, including Poker Flat Research Range, on the event’s first day.

Several panel discussions are scheduled for days two and three, among them: 

• Strategic Convergence: Alaska at the Heart of Arctic and Indo-Pacific Security

• Golden Dome: Alaska’s Strategic Shield and the Next Frontier in Integrated Defense

• Frozen Frontlines: Countering Unconventional Warfare in Alaska and the Arctic

• Strong Foundations, Strong Families, Strong Force

UAF leaders presenting at the event include Geophysical Institute Director Robert McCoy; Director Cathy Cahill of the institute’s Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration; Director Jeremy Kasper of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power; Assistant Director Peter Webley of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience; and professor Nima Farzadnia of the College of Engineering and Mines.

“Our greatest asset isn’t our Arctic location; it’s people,” Smart said. “It’s our ability to come together across sectors, cultures and jurisdictions to support the service members and families who make mission success possible.”

The Alaska Defense Forum is modeled after the Association of Defense Communities’ National Summit and Installation Innovation Forum but has an Alaska focus.

The Association of Defense Communities is a nonprofit organization that works to build strong communities in support of America’s military in every defense community and state.

In 2023, the association recognized the Fairbanks North Star Borough as a Great American Defense Community. UAF and its research were featured prominently in that recognition.