An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 26, 2014

Alaska Black Hawk crews interrupt training to assist stranded snow machine rider

By Sgt. Balinda O'Neal Alaska National Guard

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Alaska Guard members who had been conducting a formation training flight Saturday helped pull a snow machine and rider out of a hole in the ice.

The Guard members, with B Company, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, were in two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters when they came across the incident on 20 Mile River at the end of Turnagain Arm.

"My copilot, 1st Lt. Adam Lucero, spotted him first," said Chief Warrant Officer Chuck Baker, lead pilot for the training mission. "He was waving his hands, standing on top of his snow machine, which was partially submerged in open water."

Baker explained that it appeared his only alternative would have been for the stranded man to abandon his machine and swim for safety.

"His partner had been trying to throw a rope to him for a while and was unable to recover his friend," said Baker. "Swimming across posed the threat of hypothermia or being swept under, and they were more than an hour out."

The Black Hawk crew identified a potential landing zone on a nearby bar in the river and after a risk assessment made a low approach while identifying obstacles and assessing snow.

"I saw that I could make a safe landing, and the crew chiefs cleared the aircraft," said Baker. "The second Black Hawk began orbiting above to provide cover and assistance if needed."

After landing, the lead crew chief, Sgt. Sean Pritchard, exited the aircraft and made contact with the man on shore. After accessing the situation, he went back for the other two crew chiefs, Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Bautista and Spc. Brianna McMillen.

Knee deep in snow, the four were able to work the machine and its rider to shore. The men were then able to recover themselves with the one good snow machine.

"We all have a 'go bag' that contains extra supplies such as clothes and food," Baker said. "Sgt. Prichard offered these supplies, but the gentleman didn't want them."

According to Baker the decision to assist was low risk and the crew and aircraft were not being put in danger. They were able to help someone in a potentially life threatening situation.

"We will break from training any time to assist someone, especially if it can be conducted in a safe manner," Baker said.

"It put a smile on my face to see the guy shake my crew chief's hand and give us the thumbs up that everything was all right," Baker added. "We are Alaskans helping fellow Alaskans."

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Peck, officer of information technology with 242nd Combat Communications Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, operates a small unmanned aircraft system during Exercise Phoenix Dawn 2025 at Saylor Creek Range near Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, May 6, 2025. The 194th Wing's inaugural class of Warrant Officers are paving the way by re-establishing the role in the Air Force and setting standards for future generations.
Washington Air Guard’s Warrant Officers Pave Way
By Airman 1st Class Jordaan Kvale, | May 29, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Washington – The 194th Wing’s warrant officers are not only breaking new ground — they’re laying the foundation for generations to come.For the first time in more than 65 years, the Air Force reintroduced warrant...

Airmen with the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force work alongside their RTAF counterparts in small groups to finalize their respective training objectives at the Enduring Partners 2025 final planning conference in Spokane, Wash., May 20, 2025. The working groups focused on areas such as air operations, ground-controlled interception, Air Force Special Warfare, cyber, combat communication, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief medical logistics, intel, and space.
Royal Thai Air Force, Washington Guard Finalize Plans for Enduring Partners 2025
By Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon, | May 29, 2025
SPOKANE, Wash. – Airmen with the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force assembled in western Washington May 19-24 to finalize plans for Enduring Partners 2025, an exercise involving RTAF and the Washington...

Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, discusses briefing details with Col. Augusto Villalaz, director of the Joint Staff for the Louisiana National Guard, during the annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 21, 2025. The drill helps synchronize plans and strengthen coordination across LANG’s senior leadership ahead of hurricane season.
Louisiana Guard Rehearses Emergency Plans for Hurricane Season
By Capt. Peter Drasutis, | May 28, 2025
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard conducted its annual Hurricane Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge May 21, uniting key personnel across multiple commands to refine...