04.02.24

Sullivan, Murkowski Applaud Implementation of Cold Weather Pay for Alaska Air and Space Forces

Effort Aims to Address Financial Burdens for Alaska-based Service Members

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Senator Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska) applauded the implementation of cold weather special duty pay for Air and Space Forces service members based in certain locations, including Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, and Clear Space Force Station in Anderson. This announcement, effective April 1, 2024, follows two letters sent by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski and the North Dakota Senate delegation in March demanding the Air Force, the Space Force, and the Army follow congressional intent by instituting cold weather incentive pay aimed at addressing financial burdens and mental health in the military, a provision Senators Sullivan and Murkowski added to the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA.

“Service members stationed in cold weather locations like Fairbanks and Anchorage are required to carry out their duties and training in temperatures that can dip below -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter,” Senator Sullivan said. “Cold weather pay is important for the resilience and readiness of our troops and their families serving in some of the coldest parts of our nation. While this is good news for members of our Air and Space Forces, I want our soldiers stationed in Alaska to know that we will continue to push the Army’s leadership to follow the law by ensuring that our soldiers also receive this benefit.”

“Alaska is unique – the men and women who defend our nation while stationed here face drastically different conditions than those in more moderate climates, and accordingly have distinctly different needs,” said Senator Murkowski. “From supplying their families with winter gear, to outfitting the family car with snow tires, Senator Sullivan and I were adamant that their pay reflect these unique challenges while serving in Alaska. I’m pleased that our Air and Space Forces will finally be able to receive the pay that we fought to include in the FY23 NDAA.”

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