JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guardsmen successfully rescued an injured cross-country skier on in Southcentral Alaska, demonstrating the state’s unique challenges and the specialized capabilities required for search and rescue operations in its vast and often unforgiving terrain.
The rescue unfolded after the skier sustained a head injury while skiing. Utilizing a cellular phone, the individual contacted the Alaska State Troopers, who subsequently requested assistance from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC). The AKRCC then initiated a rescue mission, highlighting the collaborative network established to respond to emergencies across the state.
Initial attempts to reach the injured skier via conventional means proved impossible. Civilian air ambulance services were unable to deploy due to the lack of daylight and the absence of an illuminated airstrip in the vicinity of the distressed individual. This underscored the critical role of the Alaska Air National Guard’s specialized equipment and training in situations where civilian resources are limited.
The Alaska Air National Guard (AKANG) accepted the mission and dispatched rescue assets based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The response involved personnel from the 176th Wing’s rescue squadrons, demonstrating the integrated nature of the wing’s capabilities.
A 210th Rescue Squadron (RQS) HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, crewed by personnel from the 212th RQS Guardian Angels, was deployed to the scene. Utilizing night-vision goggles, the crew navigated to a remote cabin near Girdwood, approximately 30 miles southwest of Anchorage. The use of night-vision technology was crucial given the limited visibility and challenging terrain.
Upon arrival, the Jolly Green II crew quickly and efficiently loaded the patient into the helicopter for transport. The injured skier was then transported to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, receiving prompt medical attention. The speed and efficiency of the operation were vital given the nature of the injury and the remote location.
The AKRCC serves as a central coordination point for search and rescue activities in Alaska, bringing together multiple agencies including the Alaska Air National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the National Park Service, the Alaska State Troopers, and the Civil Air Patrol. This collaborative approach is essential given Alaska’s immense size and diverse geography, which present unique logistical and operational challenges.
The 176th Wing’s rescue triad operates in support of both the Eleventh Air Force Alaska NORAD Region’s military mission and provides specialized civil search and rescue capabilities to the state of Alaska when available. This dual role highlights the versatility of the unit and its commitment to serving both national security and the local community.
The rescue squadrons continuously conduct training exercises in Alaska’s remote and austere environments to maintain and refine their specialized skill sets. This ongoing training is critical for ensuring that personnel are prepared to operate effectively under the most challenging conditions, including extreme weather, limited visibility, and difficult terrain. The ability to operate in these conditions is a defining characteristic of the AKANG’s rescue capabilities.
Alaska’s challenging environment necessitates a high level of preparedness and coordination among various agencies. The successful rescue of the cross-country skier serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s search and rescue network and the dedication of the personnel involved. The incident underscores the importance of readily available, specialized rescue capabilities in a state where outdoor recreation is popular, and the risks associated with remote environments are ever-present.
The AKANG’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies like this one is a vital service to the residents and visitors of Alaska. The combination of advanced technology, highly trained personnel, and a robust coordination network ensures that help is available when and where it is needed most, even in the most remote corners of the state.
