Visiting Thule Air Base at the Top of the World

  • Published
  • By Colonel Mike Andrews
  • Space Operations Command
Thule Air Base, Greenland --  This month I had the privilege of joining Space Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Bentavegna and other senior leaders to visit our Airmen and Guardians serving at Thule Air Base, Greenland, the Department of Defense’s Northern-most installation.
This was my first time visiting Thule, an Air Base located 700 miles north of the Arctic Circle and only 900 miles from the North Pole. The Air Base was founded in 1951, and has served since as an early warning radar for any threats to our nation coming over the Polar caps and North Pole.
Thule is one of the most, if not the most austere environments the Department of Defense operates from, with around 150 Airmen and Guardians manning the watch 24/7, in deadly conditions that rival anywhere else in the world.
The visit was designed to meet and talk with the 821st Air Base commander Colonel Heather McGee and her team to see what issues they are facing and how we could best support them. She and her commanders discussed base infrastructure needs, Airman and Guardian support programs and mission issues and how we could best help this team that also includes Canadian and Danish military, government civilians, contractors and Danish partners.
“The 821 ABG was honored to host Lt Gen Whiting and the team from SpOC. We had the opportunity not only to highlight areas where we need resources from HQ to sustain the mission in a very challenging austere environment, but also showcase the great work that our Airmen and Guardians do each and every day to keep Thule Air Base up and running,” said Colonel McGee. “We greatly appreciate the support and advocacy from Lt Gen Whiting, and we look forward to bolstering and enhancing our resiliency efforts over the next year.”
One of the main morale concerns was the extremely low internet capabilities, which means no streaming of music, movies and entertainment. This also makes online civilian or professional development schools extremely challenging.
For those of us who have deployed, that means limited capabilities to FaceTime, Skype or other video-based means to stay visually connected with your loved ones.
The good news is that in early 2022 with the launch of a new satellite constellation, internet speeds should almost quadruple. These warriors are excited and hopeful to be able to enjoy what many of us take for granted.
Lt. Gen. Whiting was able to meet, thank and in some cases coin numerous selfless Airmen and Guardians who spend one year away from family here. For many he met, they already have their follow-on assignments, and their excitement was evident.     
While we were there at the “Top of the World” the temperature was minus 35 degrees with a blistering wind chill. And from late November until late February there is no sun, just complete darkness 24 hours a day. We found out Thule is too far North for the Northern Lights, and is closer to the North Pole than the United States.
While we were visiting units across the large frigid base, Christmas decorations, smiles and friendships were seemingly everywhere. It was easy to see teamwork and supporting others in action at the Top of the World club, fitness center, polar lounge and mission areas.   
For Thule’s Airmen and Guardians, they truly embody the “Service Before Self” core value, and selflessly remain vigilant to help protect all Americans and our allies and partners. 
This season as we celebrate the Holidays, please remember those who are either deployed or serving in remote areas far from their friends and family.
To help provide donations or gifts, the following items would be very helpful for those at Thule. Please use the address below if you would like to donate to our Thule warriors.  
Basic Toiletry Items (soap, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, etc.)
Thermal socks, Hats/Gloves/Scarfs
Dry pancake mix, Dry cookie mix
Coffee K Cups, Shelf stable coffee creamer
Laundry detergent pods
 
Address:
821 ABG
PSC 1501 Unit 82501
APO AE 09704
 

 

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