The HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter departed Bryant Army Airfield on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to complete aircrew qualification tasks medevac and hoist operations as well as basic flight maneuvers near Colony Glacier.
Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso.
Story by Seth LaCount, Alaska National Guard
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air and Army National Guard, U.S. Army, and Civil Air Patrol units conducted the rescue of 10 people between May 24 and 28, 2025. These missions were conducted primarily in support of the Alaska State Troopers and local hospitals from May 24-28, 2025.
The Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG) rescued five people near the Knik River, with a HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in a one-hour operation May 26. Golf Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion’s Chief Warrant Officer 3s Bradley Jorgensen and Mike Miller piloted the mission with one crew chief and two flight paramedics on board.
A good Samaritan called the Alaska State Troopers, and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) relayed a description and coordinates of where the people were located to the crew. The distressed persons were riding in an all-terrain vehicle on the shoreline of the river when it was capsized in the water. They were able to escape the vehicle and were waiting to be evacuated from the riverbank.
One individual sustained injuries during the submersion and the crew rendered care and brought them into the rescue helicopter on a stretcher. They secured the remaining four persons and flew them to Matsu Regional Hospital, where they were released to medical professionals.
“We had great coordination with the RCC, and our guys did a great job,” Jorgensen said. “For everyone exploring Alaska this summer, I’d say have a plan and a [satellite communication device].”
The successful mission underscored the importance of preparedness and interagency cooperation, themes that continued throughout the week’s other rescue efforts.
On May 24, the Alaska Air National Guard (AKANG) 210th Rescue Squadron deployed an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter near Seward with 212th Rescue Squadron ‘Guardian Angel’ pararescuemen on board to medevac an injured hiker, rescued by Seward Fire Department, resulting in one save.
The following day, the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, used a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to medevac a patient from Healy Lake to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital after civilian air ambulances were unable to access the site, resulting in one save.
On the 26th, a joint mission involving the AKARNG and CAP (Civil Air Patrol) was launched to search for an overdue hiker near Sutton. Though the individual was ultimately found by a good Samaritan, the coordinated aerial search contributed to the recovery, and one save was recorded.
Also on the 26th, the AKANG responded to two separate medical emergencies. One involved airlifting an individual with a head injury from a remote cabin near Montana Creek to Providence Alaska Medical Center. The other mission began May 27 and involved rescuing a person with a leg injury from a remote lodge. The individual was transported to Gulkana for civilian air ambulance pickup.
Both missions resulted in one save each, bringing the total to ten saves during this series of coordinated rescue efforts.
“This busy week was a testament to our capabilities across the state to help Alaskans in need,” said Alaska Air National Guard Lt. Col. Aaron Hunter, the director of the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC). “As this rescue season kicks off, we encourage all Alaskans to travel with satellite communication devices at all times to ensure their safety.”
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
