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    Alaska Air National Guard rescues two individuals from aircraft crash in Denali National Park

    An Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J Combat King II Conducts Training Mission with Guardian Angels

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Joseph Moon | An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter departs Joint Base...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, UNITED STATES

    10.20.2025

    Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellerive 

    176th Wing

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Wing rescued two individuals involved in a plane crash near Ruth Glacier, on Oct. 19.

    The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to a request from the National Park Service to rescue two uninjured individuals involved in a plane crash near Ruth Glacier within the Denali National Park. The Denali National Park encompasses an area of over 7,400 square miles.

    The 176th Operations Group search and rescue duty officer accepted the mission and dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with 212th Rescue Pararescuemen on board from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Pave Hawk crew departed to the crash site within one hour of notification.

    Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Bowerfind, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Alaska National Guard Joint Staff, said that this mission highlights the organization’s ethos of being “always ready, always there.”

    “The Alaska National Guard is a true 24/7 organization” Bowerfind said. “While the Alaska Organized Militia is leading one of the largest evacuations in the state’s history and carrying out recovery efforts, our aircrew, maintainers, and support personnel remain on alert to fulfill our broader mission of supporting the state.”

    The Pararescuemen rendered medical aid and transported the occupants to the Anchorage area, releasing the patients to the Anchorage Fire Department.

    During the current lapse in appropriations, the Department of Defense continues to defend the nation and conduct ongoing military operations. This mission was conducted as an excepted activity necessary for the safety and protection of human life.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.20.2025
    Date Posted: 10.20.2025 20:52
    Story ID: 550270
    Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US

    Web Views: 168
    Downloads: 0

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