Alaska National Guard

LEADERSHIP

Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Bryan
Emerson, Alaska Wing director of
communications, tests a new High
Frequency radio at his remote
Alaska homestead during a recent
communications exercise. During
the exercise, members of the
Alaska CAP Wing used HF radio to
reach far away as Arizona,
Colorado, Alabama and New
Hampshire. (Courtesy Photo)

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

By Bryan and Laura Emerson | Nov. 6, 2024

The communications team at the Alaska Wing, Civil Air Patrol, is working to expand High Frequency radio capabilities throughout the state to be more effective partners during local, state, regional, and national emergencies...

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 National Guard photo by Balinda O’Neal)

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

By Balinda O"Neal | Oct. 28, 2024

With winter freeze-up just around the corner, Kotzebue residents and responders from across Alaska are racing against time to clean up and recover from a powerful fall storm that flooded the town, displaced more than 80...

Members of the Alaska Organized Militia assigned to Joint Task Force Kotzebue assess priority-one damaged homes in the Arctic Circle community of Kotzebue, Oct. 26, 2024. The team’s measurements will help local emergency managers determine supplies needed to repair and rebuild structures impacted by severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. Many buildings in the area sustained foundation, sub-floor, and insulation damage due to the storm. 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 National Guard photo by Balinda O’Neal)

Alaska Organized Militia members arrive in Kotzebue to assist with storm response

By Alaska National Guard | Oct. 25, 2024

A team of service members from the Alaska Organized Militia have deployed to Kotzebue to assist with response efforts after the recent West Coast storm which caused major flood damage throughout the community.The team...

Alaska National Guard sending service members to assist with storm response in Kotzebue

By Alaska National Guard Public Affairs | Oct. 24, 2024

In the wake of a West Coast storm causing significant flooding, the Alaska National Guard has received an official resource request from the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.The SEOC...

Alaska Army National Guard Lt. Col. Luke Bushatz, left, outgoing commander for the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, passes the colors to Col. Michele Edwards, the commander of the 297th Regional Support Group, as part of a change of command ceremony on Oct. 20, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Bushatz served as the battalion commander for the infantry battalion for two years and led his Soldiers through numerous high-demand training events. (Alaska Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marc Marmeto)

1-297th Infantry Battalion changes command, honors Lt. Col. Bushatz

By Sgt. Marc Marmeto | Oct. 21, 2024

The 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment held a change of command ceremony on Oct. 19 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.The ceremony signified the transfer of authority from the outgoing battalion commander Lt. Col. Luke...

Alaska National Guardsmen no longer required in Florida hurricane response

By Alaska National Guard & Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | Oct. 16, 2024

The Florida National Guard notified the Alaska National Guard, Saturday, Oct. 12, that it no longer required the assistance of the Alaska Guardsmen to provide response and recovery support following Hurricane Milton. The...

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

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony Oct. 20, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

1-297th Infantry Battalion Change of Command

Alaska National Guard and State EOC to support hurricane response efforts in Southeastern US

Service after sale: Juneau-based recruiter makes strides in Southeast Alaska

Alaska Army National Guardsmen to deploy to Southwest border to support Customs and Border Protection

Alaska Army National Guard stations Black Hawk helicopter in Juneau

Alaska Army and Air Guard rescue four hunters in back-to-back, same-day missions

An Alaska Air National Guard Guardian Angel assigned to the 212th Rescue Squadron descends over Malemute Drop Zone during a capabilities exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 25, 2024. Guardian Angels, highly trained personnel recovery specialists, jumped to two plane crash sites during several Labor Day Weekend rescues across the state.

Alaska Air National Guard rescues 8 in 5 Labor Day Weekend missions

Intelligence Specialist Seaman Katrina Clayton, a volunteer with the Alaska Naval Militia, notifies her team of an oncoming motorist during the Lowell Point Road opening, May 27, 2022 in Seward. The May 7 Bear Mountain landslide blocked the road and access to and from the community of Lowell Point for 20 days. An Alaska Organized Militia Task Force was activated following a request from the State Emergency Operations Center for support to aide with traffic controls and other duties assigned by the incident commander. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O’Neal)

Anchored in service: Celebrating 40 years of the Alaska Naval Militia

Alaska State Defense Force 2nd Lt. (AK) Matthew Nunnally, the acting Emergency Operations Center safety officer, directs heavy equipment operators while conducting debris clean up and recovery operations August 27, 2024, following a major landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, two days earlier. Four Alaska Army National Guardsmen and two members of the Alaska State Defense Force mobilized on State Active Duty to assist with response efforts.

Alaska Organized Militia mobilizes six in response to Ketchikan landslide

All Guard Marathon Team visits Alaska, showcases life as a Guard athlete

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)

Moving Dirt, Taking Names: 910th ESC Alcantra Road Realignment Project 2024

Aug. 3, 2024 | 2:28

Alaska Army National Guard horizontal construction engineer Soldiers assigned to the 910th Engineer Support Company conduct earthwork operations to improve the vehicle and personnel access to the Alcantra Army complex, July 22-23, 2024. The month-long project will be executed as part of the 910th ESC's annual training from July 21 to August 20, 2024. Annual training provides AKARNG units an extended timeframe to hone job skills and to tackle Mission Essential Tasks (MET) that are essential to maintaining operational readiness for various state and federal missions. (Alaska National Guard video by Seth LaCount and Dana Rosso)

Shot by: Seth LaCount and Dana Rosso
Edited 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)

Gobi Wolf 2024 strengthens partnerships for disaster resilience

May 17, 2024 | 2:38

We are proud to highlight the participation of the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th and 176th Wings and Army National Guard's 297th Regional Support Groups participation in Exercise Gobi Wolf 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 May 7-10, in the Dornod Province capital city of Choibalsan, Mongolia. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Marc Marmeto).

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).

Warriors of the Tundra: Bison Company Infantryman Enhance Arctic Combat Readiness in Bethel, Alaska

Feb. 7, 2024 | 1:18

Approximately 30 Alaska Army National Guard Infantryman assigned to Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment consolidated in Bethel, Alaska for February drill weekend to conduct cold weather integration training Feb. 2-4, 2024. The Soldiers trained across the Bethel landscape of frozen tundra to enhance their ability to fight in an arctic environment and properly use their cold weather equipment in harsh conditions that reached -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The infantry unit engaged in realistic training exercises that rigorously tested their field-craft skills, individual movement over arctic terrain, and arctic transportation proficiency.

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