Alaska National Guard

LEADERSHIP

First Sgt. Anthony Celia, 176th Wing’s Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant was named the National Guard Bureau First Sergeant of the Year in 2025. Celia’s journey from a young Airman inspired by the compassion of his own first sergeant to becoming the NGB First Sergeant of the Year serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one leader can have on the lives of many (Alaska National Guard photo by David Bedard)

Diamond Strong: 176th Wing LRS Airman earns NGB first sergeant of the year honors

By Seth LaCount | June 30, 2025

Behind every mission-ready Airman stands a dedicated advocate and mentor. Often referred to as the “diamond,” the rank insignia they wear is more than just a symbol; it represents strength, resilience and an unbreakable...

Chief Master Sgt. Kim T. Groat relinquishes the position of the State Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Alaska Air National Guard to Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Ling during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 18, 2025. Brig. Gen. Brian D. Kile, the commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, presided over the ceremony. Groat enlisted in the AKANG in 1995 and retired after 30 years of faithful service. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña)

Ling succeeds Groat as Alaska state command chief

By David Bedard, | June 26, 2025

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ling succeeded Chief Master Sgt. Kim Groat as the Alaska state command chief during a June 18 change of responsibility ceremony at JBER.The Alaska state command chief serves as the senior enlisted...

Key leaders from the National Guard Bureau’s Innovative Readiness Training program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Native Village of Eyak and City of Cordova visited Shepard Point, Alaska June 25, 2025, to observe the progress of an ongoing construction project.
The Shepard Point Marine Tribal Transportation Oil Spill & Marine Casualty Response Facility project began in 2023 and is one of three sites being built in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989.
National Guardsmen and U.S. Marine Corps reservists specializing in horizonal and vertical construction made their way to Cordova, Alaska from across the country to assist with the effort. They have safely and successfully made headway in clearing a 5.5-acre staging area near the oil spill response site for equipment and building materials utilizing large excavation machines, skid steers, chain saws and other heavy equipment.
The IRT program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense that leverages the skills and capabilities of military personnel to support civil-military cooperation, humanitarian missions, and community development.
Through the IRT program, the National Guard and Reserve units collaborate with state, tribal, and local government entities, as well as nonprofit organizations and community leaders. Together, they identify and prioritize projects that align with military training objectives while addressing specific community needs.
Since the project’s inception, 18 servicemembers who have worked on the Shepard Point IRT have reenlisted and have voiced their pride and satisfaction with being part of this opportunity to help their fellow Americans and be part of something this impactful.
(Alaska National Guard photos by Seth LaCount)

Key leaders visit Shepard Point IRT site

By Seth LaCount | June 26, 2025

Key leaders from the National Guard Bureau’s Innovative Readiness Training program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Native Village of Eyak and City of Cordova visited Shepard Point, Alaska June 25, 2025, to observe the...

California Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jaime Garcia, 9th Civil Support Team, helps Staff Sgt. Bianca Juarez don protective equipment before checking a building in the Juneau capitol building complex for simulated weapons of mass destruction June 9, 2025, as part of Exercise ORCA 25. The exercise is a full-scale all-hazards chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives joint and interagency training exercise testing and evaluating the operational capability of the whole-of-government emergency management system. (Alaska National Guard photo by Maj. David Bedard)

Alaska National Guard leads ORCA WMD exercise in Juneau

By Maj. David Bedard | June 16, 2025

Dressed like 1950s science fiction aliens in head-to-toe hazardous material protective suits, the Virginia National Guard’s 34th Civil Support Team members Tech Sgt. Taylor Lincoln and Staff Sgt. Samantha Sanders slowly crept...

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen from across the state, active-duty Army paratroopers with the 11th Airborne Division, Coast Guardsmen out of Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic, and a member of the Alaska State Defense Force, compete in The Adjutant General’s Match at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 4, 2025. TAG Match, hosted and organized by the Alaska National Guard’s Marksmanship Program, was a multi-day competition that tested the competitors’ reflexive and precision shooting skills with both the rifle and pistol. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña)

Alaska National Guard TAG Match 2025 showcases lethality across the force

By Seth LaCount | June 6, 2025

Amid the biting wind and relentless rain of a chilly Alaska spring, 44 determined marksmen gathered for The Adjutant General’s Match June 3-5, put on annually by Alaska National Guard...

An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion conducts flight operations over Southeast Alaska near Juneau, Jan. 24, 2025. The Juneau-based Black Hawk aircrew conducts their federal mission training requirements and, when available, can respond to emergency requests by the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center or the State Emergency Operations Center. The Black Hawk is a versatile aircraft, suited for a variety of missions including, air assaults, medical evacuations, and airlift operations. Equipped with internal and external auxiliary fuel tanks, the Black Hawk’s range is extended allowing the aviators to better support the communities of Southeast Alaska. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

Alaska Army National Guard conducts MEDEVAC mission from Skagway to Juneau

By Dana Rosso | June 4, 2025

A UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Alpha Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, transported a patient from Skagway to Juneau June 3, following a medical evacuation request from the Alaska Rescue...

Diamond Strong: 176th Wing LRS Airman receives NGB first sergeant of the year honors

Ling succeeds Groat as Alaska state command chief

The exercise is a full-scale all-hazards chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives joint and interagency training exercise testing and evaluating the operational capability of the whole-of-government emergency management system.

Alaska National Guard leads ORCA WMD exercise in Juneau

Alaska National Guard TAG Match 2025 showcases lethality across the force

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Dimond, Bartlett, Service, East, Colony and the Bethel Regional high schools conduct rappel training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 29, 2025. The rappel training was part of the Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge camp, designed to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and military discipline among the cadets. Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion personnel served as safety observers and mentors, providing guidance, ensuring safety, and sharing their expertise to enhance the cadets’ training experience.

Alaska Army Guard leads, supports statewide cadet leadership events

Alaska Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Berg, a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter pilot, assigned to A Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, conducts flight operations over Southeast Alaska near Juneau, Jan. 24, 2025.

Alaska Army National Guard conducts MEDEVAC mission from Skagway to Juneau

Alaska Rescue Coordination Center directs 10 saves during start of rescue season

Fifteen competitors, including thirteen from the Alaska Army National Guard and two from the Mongolian Armed Forces, competed in the 2025 AKARNG Best Warrior Competition, held May 19–22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

AKARNG Best Warrior Competition highlights excellence, partnership

The AKARNG's 207th Multi-Functional Training Regiment conducts Infantry Advanced Leader Course

Pararescue, airlift Alaska Air National Guardsmen parachute jump into Kodiak

Alaska Army National Guard rescues 3 plane crash victims on glacial lake near Soldotna

New state Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP) expands education opportunities for servicemembers

LOD Cart supercharges tactical air mobility operations in the Pacific

AKARNG Black Hawk crew executes novel train touchdown, supports advanced MEDEVAC capabilities in SOFAM 25’

Alaska Army National Guard flight surgeon creates innovative casualty care system for the arctic warfighter

Rescue of 2 plane crash victims in Yukon Territory kicks off 176th Wing’s busy rescue week

Civil Air Patrol cadets from across the Southcentral Region practice body blocking while using receivers to measure signal strength to locate a distress beacon during a three-day training event Nov. 4, 2023, at the Birchwood Airport in Chugiak, Alaska.

Aviation distress signal draws rapid, multi-agency response at Merrill Field Airport

Alaska National Guard Brings Holiday Cheer to Circle, Alaska with Operation Santa Claus

Alaska National Guard flies 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay via IRT program

DMVA hosts 2024 Veterans Day ceremony, honors U.S. and Canadian servicemembers

Alaska Civil Air Patrol Wing to expand HF radio capability to increase emergency preparedness

Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Joint Task Force - Kotzebue assist the Arctic Circle community with recovery efforts, Oct. 26, 2024, following a recent storm that caused severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. The 11-member team, including personnel from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, was activated by the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.

Alaska Organized Militia, multi-agency teams join forces to aid Kotzebue flood recovery

Push Harder: Alaska State Best Warrior Competition feature

May 30, 2025 | 2:33

Hosted by the AKARNG’s 207th Multi-Functional Training Regiment, the SBWC, is an annual, multi-day Soldiering contest that showcases the competitors’ readiness and lethality through a series of challenging mental and physical tests. The events included a variety of physical fitness tasks, ruck march, land navigation course, live-fire stress shoot, an obstacle course, drill and ceremony, and a uniform inspection. This year two members of the Mongolian Armed Forces participated in the competition. Alaska and Mongolia have been counterparts since 2003 through the State Partnership Program.

(Alaska National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount)

Introduction to the Alaska Military Youth Academy 2025

Jan. 29, 2025 | 2:41

Approximately 160 young men and women from across Alaska began the Alaska Military Youth Academy’s 22-week ChalleNGE program at Camp Carroll on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Jan. 15-16, 2024. The AMYA ChalleNGe program is a demanding, 22-week residential phase aimed at developing self-confidence, discipline, leadership, and life-coping skills. (Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Operation Santa 2024 Brings Christmas Joy To Yakutat

Dec. 19, 2024 | 2:15

The Alaska National Guard's annual community outreach program, Operation Santa Claus, continues to bring the magic of the season to the remote communities of Yakutat Dec. 18, 2024. In partnership with the Salvation Army, the program delivered gifts and tidings of Christmas joy to the town. The video highlights the annual Operation Santa Claus, a collaborative effort between The Salvation Army, the Alaska National Guard, and the Alaska National Guard Child and Youth Program, spreading joy to communities across Alaska during the Christmas season. The Salvation Army collects, wraps, and packs gifts for children, and the Alaska National Guard plays a crucial role in transportation, logistics, and planning. (Alaska National Guard video by Sgt. Marc Marmeto).

DMVA Veterans Day 2024

Nov. 12, 2024 | 1:23

Alaska veterans, service members, friends and family attend a Veterans Day ceremony at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Nov. 11, 2024. The ceremony was held to honor the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. and Canadian veterans across Alaska and the world and to reflect on their shared service. (Alaska National Guard video by Sgt. Marc Marmeto)

life is a movie, film drug free: Red RIbbon Week 2024

Nov. 6, 2024 | 1:30

Elementary school students listen to a presentation for Red Ribbon Week at Klatt Elementary School, Anchorage, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2024. Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign focused on promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle amongst the nation’s youth by delivering prevention information at school assemblies in collaboration with the Alaska National Guard Counterdrug Support Program, Drug Enforcement Agency, local law enforcement, and elected officials. The 2024 RRW events were held at six elementary schools across Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Alaska National Guard flies 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay via IRT program

Nov. 25, 2024 | 2:22

Two years after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok flooded communities across thousands of miles of western Alaska in September 2022, the community of Toksook Bay made a big step toward replenishing what they lost from the storm – thousands of pounds of meat.

On Friday Nov. 15, 2024, the Alaska National Guard began the process of delivering nearly 14,000 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and pork to Toksook Bay as part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training Program.

The Alaska Air National Guard transported the frozen meat from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Bethel via an HC-130J Combat King II, the same aircraft that routinely conducts civil search and rescue missions across the state.

Once in Bethel, the meat was generously offloaded by Northern Air Cargo and safely stored in their airport freezer facility while awaiting airlift to Toksook Bay via two Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawks.

The AKARNG aircrews assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command delivered 234 of the 280 50-pound boxes during multiple flights on Nov. 18 before poor weather postponed the final flight. Bethel area Guardsmen from Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, assisted the effort by loading each helicopter for the roughly 75-minute flight to Toksook Bay. The remaining boxes will be delivered as soon as the weather clears, and the helicopters can safely continue the mission.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount and Dana Rosso)

Alaska Military Youth Academy tours 176th Wing 2024

Nov. 4, 2024 | 2:36

Alaska Military Youth Academy cadets and cadre toured the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Oct. 16, 2024. The AMYA cadets had the opportunity to see the HC-130 Combat King II, the HH-60 Pave Hawk, and tour the metal fabrication shop at the wing. They also visited with Airmen from the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron to learn about life as a Guard firefighter. Events like this allow Alaska Guardsmen to highlight the many opportunities available to these cadets as they explore future careers and build on the character traits that the academy seeks to instill in these young men and women as they progress in the program.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Alaskans working together to support Kotzebue

Nov. 1, 2024 | 1:01

Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Joint Task Force - Kotzebue join local and state responders to assist the Arctic Circle community of Kotzebue with recovery efforts following a storm that caused severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. In response to the storm's impact, Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster emergency on October 22, 2024. With winter rapidly approaching, the teams are on the ground assisting in critical recovery work—clearing debris, repairing pipes, and securing homes.

South for the winter: 207th AVN Soldiers deploy for Southwest Border Mission

Oct. 17, 2024 | 2:10

A detachment of approximately 20 Alaska Army National Guardsmen assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command deployed this October for a 12-month rotation in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as part of the federal Southwest Border Mission. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the Alaska detachment deployed two UH-72A Lakota helicopters, aircrews, a maintenance team, and additional support personnel to the Southwest border. Guardsmen will support the SWB mission in a federally funded, Title 10 status. Teaming with Guardsmen from other states, the Alaska Guardsmen will provide mission-enhancing aviation support to CBP’s border security operations.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Dare to Lead: Alaska ROTC

Sept. 23, 2024 | 3:08

Alaska Army National Guard Maj. Jessi Fernandez and Sgt. First Class Nate Sandback talk about the impact that the Reserve Officer Training Corps has on young men and women in Alaska and the difference it has made in their careers during the 2024 fall semester field training exercise "Operation Eagle Claw", Sept. 11-15. The Nanook Battalion, which includes the University of Alaska Fairbanks as the host school and the University of Alaska Anchorage as a detachment, cooperates with the U.S. Army and the Alaska Army National Guard to educate, train, and prepare students to serve as commissioned officers in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Making a difference as a guard athlete: All Guard Marathon Team in Alaska

Aug. 22, 2024 | 1:59

Twenty members of the National Guard All Guard Marathon Team visited the 49th state, Aug. 15-19, 2024, to compete in the Anchorage Runfest and promote the team’s program as part of an effort to boost recruiting across the state.

The AGMT is dedicated to promoting physical fitness, self-discipline, and esprit de corps among Air and Army National Guard members, while supporting recruiting and retention efforts in the communities where they compete.

(Alaska National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount and Sgt. Marc Marmeto)

Alaska Organized Militia, partners clearing the way in Juneau

Aug. 19, 2024 | 1:37

Members of the Alaska Organized Militia, including service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska Naval Militia, and Alaska State Defense Force, work with local authorities and tribal emergency operations to remove disaster debris in the Mendenhall Valley, Juneau, Alaska, Aug. 8-21, 2024, following the recent glacial outburst flood. The State Emergency Operations Center activated 60 Alaska Organized Militia members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force, and Alaska Naval Militia as part of Joint Task Force – Juneau. (Alaska National Guard video by Sgt. Marc Marmeto).

Welcome home Bison Company: 1-297th Infantry returns from Kuwait

Aug. 12, 2024 | 1:39

Description: Approximately 100 Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment returned home after a 9-month deployment to Kuwait on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Aug. 10, 2024. The deployment was in support of Operation Spartan Shield, which aims to build partner capacity in the Middle East to promote self-reliance and increase security among partner nations. (Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

176th Wing Rescue Triad conducts capabilities exercise

June 27, 2024 | 1:26

Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing’s 210th, 211th, and 212th Rescue Squadrons conducted a rescue capabilities exercise at Malemute Drop Zone, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 25, 2024. The training showcased search and rescue, high-altitude parachute drops, in-flight refueling, emergency medical response, personnel recovery, and recovery hoist. Participants included HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew of the 210th RQS, HC-130J Combat King II aircrew of the 211th RQS, and pararescuemen (PJs), and combat rescue officers (CROs) of the 212th RQS.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

ANG 176th Wing Rescue Triad Tour: Air Force ROTC

June 17, 2024 | 1:46

Approximately 88 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from South Anchorage, West Anchorage and Eagle River high schools visited the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, June 13, 2024. During their visit, the cadets learned about the 176th Wing’s Rescue Triad and had the opportunity to see multiple aircraft and facilities where these airmen train for their search and rescue mission. The 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons make up the 176th Wing Rescue Triad and are among the busiest combat search and rescue units in the world. (Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

A Love For Shooting: AKNG TAG Match 2024

June 5, 2024 | 2:04

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen from across the state, U.S Coast Guardsmen, and U.S. Army 11th Airborne Soldiers trained and competed against each other at the Alaska National Guard’s Adjutant General Match on the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Small Arms Range Complex, May 20-23, 2024.

The TAG Match, hosted and organized by the Alaska National Guard’s Marksmanship Program, is a four-day event that challenges competitors through several rifle and pistol matches designed to test their skills in reflexive fire and precision shooting.

(Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

Molding Future Leaders: Cadet Leadership Challenge 2024

May 30, 2024 | 2:09

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Dimond, Bartlett, Service, East, Colony and the Bethel Regional high schools complete the Leadership Reaction Course and take a familiarization flight with the Alaska Army National Guard's 207th Aviation Troop Command Soldiers as part of the Cadet Leadership Challenge on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 29, 2024. Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion personnel served as safety observers and mentors, providing guidance, ensuring safety, and sharing their expertise to enhance the cadets’ training experience. (Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount)

U.S., Mongolia unite for firefighting exchange

May 8, 2024 | 1:27

Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 176th Fire Emergency Services assist in training the Mongolia 52nd Firefighting and Rescue Unit during a simulated search and rescue scenario as part of exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 in Choibalsan in the Dornod Province, Mongolia, May 8, 2024. Gobi Wolf 2024 is a four-day disaster response exercise and exchange between the government of Mongolia and U.S. Army Pacific focused on interagency coordination. The Mongolia National Emergency Management Agency hosts the exercise with support from the Mongolian Armed Forces. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Marc Marmeto).

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