JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued a hunter with a lacerated leg Sept. 4 near Bird Creek southwest of Anchorage.
Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Kevin Kelly, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center deputy director, said the hunter used a satellite communication device to contact the Alaska State Troopers. The troopers requested assistance through the AKRCC.
The AKRCC notified the 176th Wing, which dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter carrying 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen (PJs).
Aircrew of the 210th are combat search and rescue Airmen highly capable in civil search and rescue missions in Alaska’s challenging weather and terrain. PJs of the 212th RQS are highly trained search and rescue experts and paramedics.
The HH-60 aircrew navigated to the hunter’s location. The PJs used the helicopter’s hoist to get to the hunter, package him, and extract him from the site.
The hunter was released to medical personnel at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
Kelly commended the hunter for carrying and properly using a satellite communication device while hunting in an area with intermittent cell service.
“Though terrestrial cell coverage is available along that part of the Seward Highway, it’s spotty at best,” he said. “It always pays to carry a fully charged satellite-communication device to call for help when you need it.”
For this rescue, 210th RQS, 212th RQS and AKRCC were awarded one save.