We saw China's spy flights up close. Keep this outpost against America's enemies strong

We saw China's spy flights up close. This key outpost stands up to our enemies and is home to more fifth-generation fighter jets than anywhere in the world.

Alaska – already home to long-range radar, missile defense interceptors, and more fifth-generation fighter jets than anywhere in the world – will naturally be at the forefront of these efforts, and we stand ready to support our national defense as we always have dating to before statehood.  One fact is clear, however, based on the two subsequent shootdowns: the Defense assets in Alaska were capable of stopping this Chinese spy balloon before it reached the Lower 48.  Republican Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska.

We’re so far east that we’re closer to Australia than California is.