Alaska Air National Guard assists 3 Alaskans in emergency situations

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at JBER supported three Alaskan residents in emergency situations within a 24 hour time period between April 4 and April 5.

According to a press release, the first rescue mission took place April 4. The National Guard responded to a request from the Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome to evacuate a mother and premature baby from Koyuk (located about 130 miles east of Nome on Norton Bay) for a higher level of medical care.

The press release indicated that civilian air ambulances could not perform the medevac due to foul weather so the National Guard’s 176th Wing deployed a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II CSAR fixed-wing aircraft- both of which were carrying 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel personnel.

The HC-130 lengthened the HH-60’s range through an air-to-air refuel on the way to Koyuk.

The Pave Hawk crew transported the mother and premature baby to Unalakleet (about 75 miles south of Koyuk) where both were transferred to the HC-130 for the journey back to JBER.

The mother and premature baby were then transported by a ground ambulance from JBER to Providence Alaska Medical Center.

According to the press release, the second rescue mission took place April 5.

The Alaska State Troopers requested assistance rescuing a snowmachine rider suffering from a broken leg about 30 miles north of Talkeetna.

Since civilian air ambulances were unable to support due to poor weather, the 176th Wing deployed a Pave Hawk with Guardian Angels onboard.

The Pave Hawk crew located the snowmachiner and hoisted down to assess the patient and load him onto the helicopter for transport.

After reaching JBER, the patient was transported by a ground ambulance to Providence.

Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing commander Anthony Stratton praised the 210th, 211th, and 212th Rescue Squadrons for their heroic efforts saving local lives.

“Once again, the Rescue Triad has demonstrated their boundless dedication to our fellow Alaskans moving long distances and through extreme weather to get to those who need help,” Stratton stated in the press release. “Guardian Angels, HH-60 and HC-130 crew members, RCC mission controllers, maintainers and other 176th Wing Airmen stand alert 24/7/365 to answer the call when we’re needed most.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com