On August 9, 2010, former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and eight other passengers flew from Nerka and Aleknagik Lakes on the southeast coast of the state. Nearby bush pilots reported a crash, yet poor weather visibility prevented rescue operations to commence that night.
Two Good Samaritans spotted the crash from the air. At about 9:00 pm, the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, was notified. The next day, an attempt was made to land the helicopter, but weather conditions twice postponed the flight. Survivors would wait about 18 hours.
Senator Stevens, three passengers, and the pilot. Four others survived, but the inclement weather made care difficult.
The rescue operation involved three rescue squadrons assigned to the 176th Wing: the 210th Rescue Squadron flew HH-60Gs; the 211th Rescue Squadron flew the HC-130Ps that refueled the HH-60s and provided airborne command and control during the rescue operation; and pararescuemen of the 212th Rescue Squadron recovered victims. The entire sequence of events lasted through August 11.
The rugged state of Alaska requires specialized equipment and well-trained personnel. The persistence of the pilots and crew of the Squadron rendering aid stood out, as did the Good Samaritans. Ironically, the Alaska Air National Guard’s Search and Rescue mission started because of legislation supported by Senator Stevens. Since 1990, they have been the busiest Combat Search and Rescue Squadrons in the U.S. Air Force. In over 5,000 missions, they have saved nearly 2,000 lives and rescued hundreds.
The rugged state of Alaska requires specialized equipment and well-trained personnel. The persistence of the pilots and crew of the Squadron rendering aid stood out, as did the Good Samaritans. Ironically, the Alaska Air National Guard’s Search and Rescue mission started because of legislation supported by Senator Stevens. Since 1990, they have been the busiest Combat Search and Rescue Squadrons in the U.S. Air Force. In over 5,000 missions, they have saved nearly 2,000 lives and rescued hundreds.
Through their dedication to this mission, the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard exemplifies its own motto: “So that others may live."