CAMP DENALI, Alaska - The men and women of the Alaska National Guard saved 167 lives here in Alaska and around the world in 2008.
The 11th Rescue Coordination Center, the sole Alaska representative responsible for all aeronautical search and rescue cases in Alaska, released its end of year statistics Dec 31.
The Alaska National Guard was credited with 79 saves and 10 assists in Alaska alone.
"Alaska can be a very unforgiving place," said Maj. Guy Hayes, state public affairs officer. "So, that's probably why you see more rescues from Alaska (as compared to other states).
"When people go hunting, fishing, hiking or camping they often go into more areas that are only accessible by a (HH-60) Pavehawk."
In addition to their saves in their home state, they also were credited with 72 saves in Afghanistan and 16 on the Gulf Coast while administering hurricane support to Texas and Louisiana.
A "save" is awarded each time Guardsmen rescue a person who likely would not have survived otherwise.
"Members from the Alaska National Guard were called on for their skills in Afghanistan, the Gulf Coast and here in Alaska because they are recognized for the professionalism and expertise in search and rescue," said Maj. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard.
Alaska National Guardsmen support search and rescue year round in Alaska. September is the busiest month for search and rescue missions in the state. The Alaska Guard 20 saves during this month in 2008, which was nearly three times the number that Guardsmen were awarded in September 2007.
"We were literally busy almost every day with something going on," said Hayes, who added that the search and rescue units are used to that high operational tempo.
In addition to performing day-to-day support in Alaska, Guardsmen from the 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons of the 176th Wing at Kulis Air National Guard Base deployed to multiple locations in 2008.
In January, Guardsmen deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan to support combat search and rescue missions in the Global War on Terrorism.
During their six-month deployment, Alaska Guardsmen were credited with saving 72 lives and proved they're among the elite in search and rescue worldwide.
In early September, Guard members were again deployed under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a program that allows guard units to mobilize upon request to render assistance to other states.
Supporting search and rescue efforts in Louisiana and Texas, Guardsmen were awarded 16 saves during Hurricane Gustav, Hannah and Ike.
"These guys are very good at what they do," said Hayes. "And they're ready, on stand-by to save lives when needed."