SC Alaska News

Senator Dan Sullivan, who represents Alaska in the U.S. Senate, used his social media platform on September 18, 2025, to address a range of topics including environmental challenges and military milestones relevant to his state.

In a post from September 18, Sullivan highlighted ongoing concerns about glacial flooding in Juneau: "Just a month after sustaining the worst glacial flooding in its history, Juneau this week was monitoring yet another smaller outburst from Suicide Basin. @USACEHQ officials committed to providing short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to this serious recurring challenge." This statement follows recent record-breaking floods that have affected the city and underscores efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address these persistent issues through both immediate and future strategies.

Later that day, Senator Sullivan recognized the anniversary of a key branch of the armed forces while emphasizing Alaska's strategic military importance: "Happy 78th Birthday, U.S. Air Force! Alaska is the hub of American air combat power—home to over 100 fifth-generation fighters. We saw that strength on full display this summer as our courageous Airmen responded to numerous incursions by Russian aircraft operating in our Air". Alaska's location makes it critical for national defense operations, particularly given increased activity by foreign military aircraft near U.S. airspace.

In another brief message posted on September 18, Sullivan reflected on an individual's influence with: "Powerful reminder of Charlie’s impact."

Juneau has experienced significant glacial flooding events in recent years due to meltwater releases from Suicide Basin into Mendenhall Lake and River. These outburst floods have prompted local and federal agencies—including USACE—to develop monitoring systems and mitigation plans aimed at reducing risk for residents and infrastructure ([source](https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/environment/2023/08/07/juneaus-record-glacier-flooding-destroyed-homes-and-property-officials-are-still-assessing-the-damage/)). Meanwhile, Alaska's role as a center for advanced fighter jets has grown amid rising tensions between global powers; regular intercepts of Russian aircraft highlight ongoing security concerns ([source](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/alaska-air-defense-intercepts-russian-aircraft-again/)).

Senator Dan Sullivan continues to use public platforms to communicate developments related to natural disasters affecting Alaskan communities as well as issues tied to national defense.