Military aircraft LC-130, colloquially known as 'Skibird', descends onto a sheet of freshwater ice as the Air Force readies for intensified operations in the Arctic region.
The U.S. Air Force has made a significant stride in expanding its operational capabilities in the Arctic, as an LC-130 Hercules aircraft touched down on freshwater ice for the first time in decades. This landmark event took place on frozen Parsons Lake in Inuvik, Canada during the joint exercise Nanook-Nunalivut on March 5. The landing was supported by Canadian forces and marked the first freshwater ice landing for the 109th Airlift Wing's LC-130 variant, known as the "Skibird."
Freshwater ice, denser and purer than seawater ice, provides a structurally stronger and thinner ice layer for operations. This presents a strategic advantage in the Arctic, where most areas are covered by saltwater ice. The ability to land on thinner freshwater ice offers greater tactical flexibility for defensive or offensive operations in the High North.
This achievement is a milestone in the 109th Airlift Wing's history; although, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the early variant of the C-130, the LC-130D, was tested on frozen lakes near Bemidji in Minnesota. However, the D models were replaced by the H models in the 1980s.
Lt. Col. Matthew Sala, the 109th deployed commander, stated, "We are excited to see what the future holds for the LC-130 Hercules and 109th Airlift Wing as we continue to evolve our capabilities in the Arctic." The Skibird enables rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote areas without runways, making it vital for large-scale airlift missions in harsh conditions. Today, the 109th Airlift Wing operates all 10 LC-130s in service.
Future operations may include recovering downed airmen and aircraft, establishing Arctic Forward Operating Locations on the ice, or resupplying land component forces in the High North. The joint exercise with Canadian forces began last month in Canada's Northwest Territories. A team of 12 Airmen from the 109th, Kentucky ANG's 123rd, and Minnesota ANG's 133rd Airlift Wings built the ski landing area for the LC-130H on the lake in just one day with support from Canadian CC-138 Twin Otters, CH-147F Chinook, and CH-146 Griffon helicopters.
This joint exercise marks the New York ANG's first participation since 2016, amid simmering U.S.-Canada tensions following President Trump's recent tariff hike on Canadian goods. Despite the political climate, the mission underscored the importance of collaboration between forces to ensure mission success. Lt. Col. Steve Thompson of the Royal Canadian Air Force emphasized, "Integration with the joint force and multinational partners is critical to ensuring mission success."
The harsh Arctic conditions present various logistical challenges, including the constant resupply of essentials like fuel, food, and equipment. Units from the New York and Minnesota ANG often undergo training in harsh weather, learning to set up base camps, conduct Arctic first aid, and groom ski-ways. In recent years, they have broadened their training sites to include Greenland and other sub-Arctic regions.
Expanding training in northern Canada sharpens tactical aviators' skills by leveraging this unique region, as practice is essential to iron out the joint force's strengths and weaknesses before a national emergency. According to Houston Cantwell, a Senior Resident Fellow at AFA's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, "The interoperability between the Twin Otter and LC-130 Hercules in the past has proven to be a very successful combination, and we look forward to working together again in the future."
As the region warms three times faster than the global average, it will intensify military activity and competition for resources like natural gas. Both Russia and China have been ramping up their military presence in the Arctic in recent years. Operating in the High North showcases commitment to the region and establishes a strong presence, which carries deterrent value.
- The ability to land on thinner freshwater ice in the Arctic offers greater tactical flexibility for the deployment of weapons, bombers, and other aircraft, facilitating both defensive and offensive operations.
- The new landing on frozen Parsons Lake with the support of the Canadian space force has opened up opportunities for the recovery of downed airmen and aircraft, establishing Arctic Forward Operating Locations on the ice, or resupplying land component forces in the High North.
- The collaboration between the military forces, including the space force and air force, in joint exercises, such as Nanook-Nunalivut, is crucial in addressing logistical challenges and highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and cooperation in ensuring mission success.
- The deterrent value of military activity in the Arctic, amid increasing competition for natural resources like gas from Russia and China, relies on showcasing a strong aerospace and space force presence, thereby ensuring strategic control of the region.
- As the Arctic experiences rapid warming, intensifying military competition and resource extraction, training in harsh conditions with teams from the various air forces and wider aerospace community becomes essential for assessing strengths and weaknesses and ensuring the readiness of the joint force during a national emergency.
