File Photo: Chief Petty Officers stand in formation on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt for a photo honoring the 125th birthday of the Navy Chief Petty Officer rate, in the Strait of Malacca April 1, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

WASHINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Navy said Tuesday that Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and ships from Carrier Strike Group 9 are exercising in the operation Northern Edge 2019 underway in the state of Alaska.

Daniel Dwyer, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9, said it is "essential" to hold joint operations and exercises in the "strategic location" of Alaska in order for the United States to be able to stay involved in affairs in the Indo-Pacific region.

The exercise, hosted by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, is conducted in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC), involving the use of more than 60,000 square miles (155,400 square km) of airspace, according to the statement.

The exercise running from May 13 to 24 is planned to involve some 10,000 personnel on the active and reserve lists of the National Guard, army, navy, air force, and Marines. It includes scenarios for defensive air combat, close air support, and aerial deterrence of maritime forces, according to the statement.

Participating ships include Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Russell, USS John Finn, and USS Kidd, and replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser.

The first operation Northern Edge was conducted in 1993.