Archive image: Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aviators assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron hoist a 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel pararescueman and simulated casualty during a capabilities exercise over Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 25, 2024.
Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña.
Story by David Bedard, 176th Wing
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska —
Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew from 176th Wing rescue four distressed paddle boarders near Byers Lake about 110 miles north of Anchorage. August 6, 2024.
The boarders sent an SOS signal using a newer cellphone with embedded satellite transceiver.
The Alaska State Troopers requested assistance from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC), who then requested help from the 176th Wing’s 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angels onboard.
The HH-60G rescue helicopter aircrew located the group and inserted the Guardian Angel PJs via hoist before they assessed the four paddle boarders. They were cold and wet having accidentally ventured down a creek flowing out of Byer’s Lake and falling into the water.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aircrew transported the survivors to the Byers Lake Campground where they were transferred to Alaska State Troopers.
Alaska Air National Guard Lt. Col. Aaron Hunter, AKRCC director, emphasized the importance of carrying a two-way satellite communication device when going into the Alaska wilderness.
“It’s important to have some way of calling for help in areas with limited or no cell service,” Hunter said. “The boarders having a means of reaching out to us made for our quick response and a good outcome.”
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