News file photo Two Marine attack helicopters hover feet from the ground at the Winter Strike joint military exercises at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in January 2021.

ALPENA — Giant aircraft will once again appear in Alpena skies at the end of January when the National Guard brings joint military training exercises to the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.

The 10-day Northern Strike event, also dubbed Winter Strike, begins Jan. 21. The snow, high winds, and single-digit temperatures of an Up North winter allow military personnel to practice maneuvers in conditions that mimic those they may encounter on military missions.

Last year’s Winter Strike exercises at the CRTC offered training in military transport and attack helicopters, preparing pilots to serve in Afghanistan and other overseas locations.