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Wolf Russo, Common Operating Picture manager for the Alaska National Guard demonstrates the capabilities of Maven, an AI logistics software system, at the Joint Operations Center in the AKNG Armory on Joint Base-Elmendorf Richardson, July 11, 2025 Maven fuses data from multiple sources to enhance the COP and uses AI tools to track logistics, personnel and resource movements while recommending courses of action based on real-time input.  (Alaska National Guard photo by Seth LaCount)
AKNG COP manager leads charge on AI integration in disaster response
By Seth LaCount | July 11, 2025
During the Alaska National Guard’s most recent disaster response exercise, Vigilant Guard, the AKNG made a significant leap forward in disaster response by integrating Palantir Technologies Maven software into its operations...

Alaska Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, an aviator assigned to 207th Aviation Battalion, assists six distressed people stranded on the Kuskokwim River during a rescue mission June 30, 2025. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to an Alaska State Troopers request for assistance when the family’s boat became stuck on a sandbar in the river. (Alaska National Guard courtesy photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse)
Alaska Army Guard aviators rescue family of 6, stranded on Kuskokwim River during summer storm
By Seth LaCount | July 1, 2025
Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to the 207th Aviation Battalion, rescued a family of six June 30, near Tuntutuliak on the Kuskokwim River. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to...

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...

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescue an injured climber June 29 near Eklutna Lake after the patient was struck by a boulder and unable to self-evacuate. (Alaska Natoinal Guard courtesy photo)
Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured climber near Eklutna Lake
By Staff Sgt. Kelly Willett | June 28, 2025
Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured climber June 29 near Eklutna Lake after the climber was struck by a boulder and unable to self-evacuate...

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...