PLB program offers peace of mind in outdoors

With so many mountains and thick woods encompassing Alaska, it’s easy to get lost. For service members and civil-service employees at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, there’s a free solution.

The Personal Locator Beacon Program is a free service that allows service members and civil-service employees to check out a PLB at the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center on JBER, to enhance safety while enjoying the outdoors.

“The PLB program has proven to be a capable tool in the Alaska backcountry given the remote terrain and harsh nature of the climate,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Corey Herbert, Alaska Air National Guard AKRCC rescue controller. “This year we rented out roughly 45 beacons between August and September alone.”

The program began in 1993 with only 15 beacons, but has since increased to 33. Twelve beacons are capable of floating, for use on boats.

“Most of the PLBs offered roughly cost $250,” Herbert said. “So it’s a great opportunity for members who want to experience the beauty of Alaska without spending money on a PLB.”

PLBs are available for checkout Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reserved two weeks in advance.

PLBs may be checked out for a maximum of two weeks.

Upon checking out, users should provide their CAC card, supervisor’s name, emergency contact, activity, basic trip plan, alternate plan, number and names of people in the party, any medical conditions, safety and emergency equipment on hand,

vehicle, boat or plane description, and an annotated map of the planned route.

This information will assist rescuers if the worst should happen, by giving them an idea of what issues they need to address.

If the PLB is needed during the trip, the procedures are simple – open the antenna, turn on the device and place in an open area where it can transmit up to a satellite.

From there, the device will send out information to the satellite, and coordinates are received by an AKRCC controller.

“Thankfully, it is rare that individuals who have used our beacons have had to actually activate it,” Herbert said.

Depending on location and the situation, the responders could include the AKANG, Army National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, National Park Service, North Slope Search and Rescue, or the Army.

“The PLB helped me feel safer because I knew, if I were to get lost, I would receive quick assistance,” said Airman 1st Class Richy Hayes, a 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist. “I always think it’s important to have a back-up plan because you never know what problems could arise.”

To check out a PLB, visit the AKRCC, on the first floor of Building 10471.

For more information or to reserve a PLB for your outing, contact the AKRCC at 551-7232.