Juneau -- Members of the Alaska Legislature will get a first-hand look at the largest military exercise conducted in the state on Thursday, March 11. A group of Legislators will travel to the Fort Greely maneuver area outside Delta Junction, to observe Joint Exercise "Northern Edge 99."

"The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces here in Alaska make a tremendous contribution to our state and we are excited to have the opportunity to see them in action," said Senate President Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage). "When they successfully conduct military operations in Alaska's challenging weather and terrain, they clearly demonstrate their ability to fight anywhere in the world and win."

Northern Edge 99 is a three week, live action military operation involving units of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as National Guard and Reserve units from several states. The exercise is designated to test a full range of service capabilities including day and night fighting, live fire, missile defense, harbor defense, and information operations. More than 10,000 military personnel from throughout the United States are participating in the exercise which began on Feb. 22 and will continue through March 16.

Legislators will leave the Capitol at 5:45 a.m. The group will fly to Fort Greely on standard military aircraft. They will tour the maneuver area and observe a mass parachute drop and live fire demonstration.

"Alaska's military installations and extensive ranges provide a training environment of unmatched military value," noted Representative Lisa Murkowski (R-Anchorage), Chair of the house Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. "It makes sense to conduct more exercises like Northern Edge '99 in Alaska."

Legislative business will continue in Juneau for Legislators who do not make the Northern Edge '99 tour. The Senate has scheduled session to begin at 11:00 a.m. The House traditionally does not convene on Thursday.