Archive image: Alaska Air National Guard (AKANG) Aviators from the 210th Rescue Squadron aboard an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter perform hoist training with Guardian Angel Pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron in the Tordrillo Mountain Range in western Alaska, on July 10th, 2025.
Hoist operations are one of the many critical skills for aircrew and pararescue airmen practice regularly to maintain proficiency.
The Alaska Air National Guard provides 24/7 emergency response capabilities for the arctic region.
Alaska Air National Guard by Senior Airman Joseph Moon.
Story by Alejandro Peña, Alaska National Guard
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard (AKANG) aircrews, with the 176th Wing, conducted in 24 hours the rescue of 5 individuals in three incidents spanning over 550 nautical miles across Alaska, September 15, 2025.
Monday morning, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) opened a mission in response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers regarding a hunter experiencing a medical emergency.
The AKANG accepted the mission and dispatched Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson based rescue assets from the 176th Wing’s Rescue Squadrons. A 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk, and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-30J Combat King II, both carrying 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel pararescuemen traveled to the reported emergency site about 220 nautical miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Helicopter air-refueling from the HC-130J Combat King II to the HH-60G Pave Hawk twice en route, the rescue personnel made their way to the hunting party’s location on a bank of the Wind River. Due to the deteriorating condition of the distressed hunter, the HC-130J Combat King II pressed ahead of the HH-60G Pave Hawk and was the first over the hunting party.
To expedite medical care, Guardian Angels parachuted from the HC-130J Combat King II down to the distressed hunter and immediately began rendering medical care. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aircrew arrived a short time later, picked up the Guardian Angels, the two-person hunting party and transported them to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The hunter was released to Fairbanks medical staff.
Later that day, the AKRCC opened a second mission in response to a registered 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal and subsequent plane crash confirmation.
The AKANG accepted the mission and dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk with 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel pararescuemen on board from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew spotted the downed two-seat general aviation aircraft, along with two individuals with minor injuries about 65 nautical miles southwest of Anchorage. The HH-60G aircrew located a clearing to land, picked up the two individuals and transported them to Providence Alaska Medical Center.
The AKRCC opened the third mission in response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers regarding two stranded hikers on Bear Mountain about three miles southwest of Seward.
The AKANG accepted this mission and again dispatched a 210th RQS HH-60G Pave Hawk with 212th RQS Guardian Angels on board from JBER.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter aircrew arrived on scene and located the two hikers stranded on a steep rock formation. Due to the hikers’ precarious location, the HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew carefully maneuvered and approached the two individuals to minimize the hazards of the helicopter’s forceful rotor wash.
Unable to land due to the terrain, the HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew deployed Guardian Angels and rescued the two hikers off the rock formation via hoist. The hikers were transported to Seward where they were released to the Alaska State Troopers.
The three incidents and successful outcomes highlight the vital importance of having an emergency communication plan when venturing in Alaska’s remote and rugged terrain.
According to David Alborn, AKRCC search and rescue (SAR) program manager, the aircraft owner properly registered the ELT which resulted in an expedited response.
“The beacon registration being up to date and accurate allowed us to get rescue forces to [the downed pilot] within minutes vs hours,” said Alborn.
ELT registration provides the AKRCC with the aircraft owner’s emergency point-of-contact information that can be used to rule out a false alert or confirm a real emergency.
In the event of a real emergency, registered ELTs can lead to timely rescues by facilitating direct contact between rescue personnel and the pilot in need of assistance. Timely responses are vital when travelling over Alaska’s expansive spaces and medical attention is needed.
While the 176th Wing Rescue Triad’s military mission stands alert in support of the 11th Air Force Alaska NORAD Region, they also work with the AKRCC to provide Alaska with specialized civil search and rescue capabilities when available.
By air, land or sea the AKANG rescue personnel constantly train in Alaska’s vast and austere locations to hone their specialized SAR skill set.
“It’s important to mention that from the folks at the rescue coordination center to the HC-130 and HH-60 aircrews, and the PJs, everyone here are local residents,” said Alborn. “Not only do we understand the state and the different terrain and conditions, everyone goes through an intense amount of training to conduct search and rescue across Alaska.»
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