ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE -- Northern Edge 2009, the largest military training exercise in Alaska, begins today and runs through June 26, the military's Alaska Command said.

Alaskans could see and hear more flying activity. People flying small aircraft near military operations areas should use the Special Use Airspace Information Service by calling 800-758-8723. Pilots can obtain the most current status of the military operations areas from any FAA Automated Flight Service Station, Anchorage Center or Eielson Range Control, the Alaska Command said.

Roughly 9,000 U.S. active duty, National Guard and reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will participate, according to the command, which is sponsoring the air-focused exercise.

More than 200 Air Force, Army, Air National Guard, Navy and Marine aircraft will be involved. Northern Edge will be conducted mainly from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Eielson AFB near Fairbanks, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex; and in the Gulf of Alaska, the command said.

Northern Edge is a tactical exercise to train for real-world combat missions and crises in the Asian-Pacific region. Participants will practice defensive counter air, close air support, air interdiction of maritime targets, personnel recovery missions and the opportunity to integrate new weapon systems, the Alaska Command said.