Image: An Alaska National Guard 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk refuels with a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II during a training exercise.
Alaska Air National Guard photo by Emily Farnsworth.
Story by David Bedard, 176th Wing
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk crew from the 176th Wing rescue an injured snowmachine rider about 20 miles northeast of Valdez. January 15, 2024.
The snowmachiner activated an SOS signal on his two-way satellite communication device, prompting the Alaska State Troopers to request assistance from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The RCC asked for help from the 176th Wing search and rescue duty officer, who dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II, both with 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel pararescuemen (PJs) onboard.
The HC-130 refueled the HH-60G in the air during the sortie to give the helicopter the range to complete the SAR mission.
The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crew used the SATCOM device coordinates to find the snowmachiner and landed. The PJs loaded him into the helicopter for medical assessment and take-off.
The HH-60G flew the snowmachiner to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Landon Bryan, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) senior controller, commended the snowmachiner for carrying and properly using the emergency SATCOM device.
“Two-way satellite communication was instrumental in rapidly responding and finding the snowmachiner in what could have been a dangerous outcome,” Bryan said.
For the mission, 210th RQS, 211th RQS, 212th RQS and the AKRCC received credit for one save.
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
