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 | April 2, 2012

Alaska Air National Guard members rescue two plane crash survivors

By Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Karima Turner Alaska National Guard

CAMP DENALI, Alaska - In response to a notification by the Federal Aviation Administration of a downed aircraft carrying two people, the 11th Rescue Coordination Center called on members of the Alaska Air National to conduct a rescue March 30.

Within minutes of the notification, members of the 210th Rescue Squadron quickly launched an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter carrying two "Guardian Angels" from the 212th Rescue Squadron onboard.

The 210th Rescue Squadron pilots were directed to coordinates by the RCC on Knik Glacier and quickly found the crashed aircraft with the two survivors.

"We didn't know what the status was of the crash victims," said Air Force Maj. Karl Westerlund, the 11th Rescue Coordination Center director. "It was imperative that we were able to task our assets as quickly as possible to ensure a timely response to the crash site."

The Guard members were able to land on the glacier, and safely load the survivors onto the HH-60 and fly them back to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. No injuries were reported.

The Alaska Air National Guard's 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were awarded two saves for their actions.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Soldiers with the Arizona Army National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents inspect a cooler of fish for illegal drugs or other contraband items at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, April 30, 2025. The Arizona National Guard and CBP are working together under Task Force Stopping Arizona's Fentanyl Epidemic to interdict drugs at Arizona’s ports of entry.
Arizona National Guard’s Task Force SAFE Strengthens Border Security
By Staff Sgt. Amber Peck, | May 13, 2025
NOGALES, Ariz. — In an effort to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, Arizona National Guard members with Task Force SAFE — Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic — support U.S. Customs and Border...

Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party Airmen assigned to the 124th  Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, trained with Idaho Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawks during a three-day field training exercise, including helicopter medical evacuation in Idaho City, Idaho, May 5 - 7, 2025. Members of the 124th ASOS were able to experience hands-on MEDEVAC training and integrated with joint medical personnel to replicate life-threatening scenarios, proving the skills necessary for combat environments and showing the tactical proficiency of the Air National Guard.
Idaho Guard Airmen Push Limits in Joint Field Training
By Tech. Sgt. Mercedee Wilds, | May 13, 2025
IDAHO CITY, IDAHO – The sounds of rotor blades thumped overhead as the rotor wash of a UH-60 Black Hawk kicked up rocks and debris that slammed into the Airmen waiting during a simulated live medevac. Below, Tactical Air...

A total of 103 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers and Airmen competed in the annual Governor's Twenty marksmanship competition May 9 to 10, 2025 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. They earn the right to wear the coveted Governor’s Twenty tab on the left shoulder of the uniform, is a state-level National Guard award that is presented every year and is reflected on a service members’ official personnel record. It is recognized by both the Army and Air Force. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig)
Pennsylvania Guard Competes in Governor’s Twenty Marksmanship Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | May 13, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than 100 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers and Airmen competed in the annual Governor’s Twenty marksmanship competition here May 9-10.The event, in which 103 service members competed,...