Archive image: Alaska Air National Guard fuels management specialists, from the 176th Logistics Readiness Squadron, conduct forward area refueling point (FARP) training with an AKANG HC-130J Combat King II and aircrew assigned to the 211th Rescue Squadron, and Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter aviators with the A Co., 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, at Bryant Army Airfield, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2025.
Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso.
Story by Dana Rosso, Alaska National Guard
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG) aviators with A Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, operating a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter out of Bethel, conducted the rescue of four stranded boaters near Kotlik. May 20, 2025.
The rescue aircrew responded to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, routed through the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The boaters were reported overdue in a remote area about 160 nautical miles northwest of Bethel.
In addition to the flight crew, the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter transported two emergency medical services (EMS) personnel from the Bethel Fire Department and an Alaska State Trooper, who was picked up in Emmonak to assist with the grid search and provide immediate medical care if needed.
“This was a strong team effort between our crew, local EMS and the Alaska State Troopers,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Bethel Army Aviation Operating Facility commander and pilot in command. “Everyone brought their expertise to the table, which helped us cover more ground quickly and ensure the boaters got the help they needed.”
During the aerial search, the combined team was able to locate the stranded individuals and safely transport them back to Kotlik.
“In these remote parts of Alaska, no single agency can do it all,” Kruse said. “Our ability to respond effectively relies on the partnerships we’ve built with first responders across the region. That coordination makes all the difference when time is critical.”
The Alaska Army National Guard regularly supports search and rescue (SAR) efforts across the state in cooperation with local, state and federal partners.
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