ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - When the son of a New Bern man and Willow Springs woman steps outside, inhaling crisp air on a base surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness in America's "last frontier," he is far more likely to run into a bear or moose than an enemy of the United States.

But Air Force Airman 1st Class Johnnie L. Sikes, son of Lee T. Sikes of New Bern, and Tina Sikes of Willow Springs, and the rest of his colleagues, are strategically as close to North Korea as they are to Washington D.C. Sikes recently participated in a massive American military exercise called "Northern Edge," where more than 9,000 U.S. service members sharpened their skills for responding to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Sikes is a missile maintenance specialist with the 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. "I am a missile troop. I maintain, inspect, and build missiles, along with delivering them to air frames for upload," said Sikes, a 2004 graduate of Apex High School.

Military maneuvers over the Gulf of Alaska and areas of the Alaskan wilderness, in an area the size of New Mexico, allowed for aircraft to conduct maneuvers in ways that cannot be done anywhere else.

Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel participated with aircraft flying in simulated air combat, many times flying in excess of the speed of sound, a restriction found nearly everywhere else in the United States. Naval warships and land-based forces also synchronized with aircraft in creating a large combined force.

For Sikes, this important exercise provides an opportunity for his unit to better itself in combat situations and in working with other American military services.

"This exercise was important because we hold a huge part in showing the alert and readiness of our air base in Alaska," said Sikes.

With Alaska situated between Russia and Canada, and within a good part of the Arctic Circle, the region provides a unique setting for both professional and personal experiences.

"Every day is a new and exciting day. I never do the same thing. Alaska is a beautiful and breathtaking place to train," said Sikes.

Sikes' personal military background illustrates why his experience is ideal for military operations in Alaska, such as this one.

"I have been in the Air Force for two years. My future plans are to go to school and further my education," said Sikes.

With the sounds of jet aircraft screaming overhead, wildlife such as moose and bears are undeterred from randomly appearing at this frontier base. But with vigilance found by service members serving in this geographically important location, their efforts will help keep the region's greater threats at bay.