News

A return to Normandy
July 8, 2026 — For more than 80 years, C-47 Skytrain tail number 42-100857 has connected generations of Airmen. On June 6, 1944, the aircraft carried American paratroopers into Normandy during Operation Overlord, one of history's defining airborne assaults. After D-Day, 42-100857 continued supporting airborne, airlift and glider operations across Europe through the end of World War II. The aircraft eventually found a second life in Alaska, transitioning from wartime service to civil airlift and search-and-rescue operations as a DC-3. ... MORE

Combat rescue officers and pararescuemen of 212th Rescue Squadron stand in front of a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II combat search and rescue aircraft during the 82nd D-Day anniversary in Normandy, France. The Alaska Air National Guard Airmen jumped with the Air Force and U.S. Army to commemorate the cross-channel invasion.

Alaska National Guard rescues 4 in 4 missions during July 4 weekend
July 8, 2026 — Soldiers and Airmen of the Alaska National Guard executed four missions to save four people over the July 4 holiday weekend. Maj. Kody Schmidt, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center senior controller, said the first mission opened following a request from the Alaska State Troopers (AST) for a hoist-capable helicopter to rescue a critically ill patient from a remote residence on the Kantishna River west of Cantwell. ... MORE

Alaska connection comes full circle during Area Support Group Balkans assumption of command
July 2, 2026 — A decades-long connection between Alaska and Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, came full circle June 29 as Alaska Army National Guard Col. Kurt Rorvik assumed command of Area Support Group-Balkans during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Michael Lalor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. For Rorvik, whose previous assignment was deputy chief of staff and senior Guard advisor for Alaskan Command at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the assignment carries a unique significance. Camp Bondsteel is named for Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. James L. Bondsteel, who retired from the Army at Fort Richardson, remained in Alaska following his military service and is buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. As he prepared to assume command in Kosovo, Rorvik reflected on that connection... MORE

Camp Bondsteel, headquarters of Area Support Balkans and NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command-East, is named in honor of Bondsteel, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Alaska Air Guard pararescue save pilot near Knik Glacier
May 13, 2026 — Alaska Air Guard pararescue save pilot near Knik Glacier... MORE

A man wearing camouflage fatigues holding up an IV bottle.

Army Guard offers full-ride scholarships for college-bound Alaskans
May 12, 2026 — Army Guard offers full-ride scholarships for college-bound Alaskans... MORE

Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 crews support Denali Base Camp establishment
April 23, 2026 — An Alaska Army National Guard CH-47F Chinook helicopter lifted off from Talkeetna with a load calculated down to the pound. Carrying more than 5,500 pounds of cargo and equipment, its destination was Denali Base Camp at 7,200 feet on the Kahiltna Glacier where there are no runways and little margin for error. The mission was straightforward in purpose but demanding in execution: deliver critical equipment into one of the most remote operating environments in North America in support of the National Park Service at Denali National Park and Preserve ahead of the climbing season on Mount McKinley. ... MORE

Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook aircrew members and National Park Service personnel assigned to Denali National Park and Preserve’s Denali Rescue Team pose for a photo at Denali Base Camp on the Kahiltna Glacier, April 14, 2026. Alaska Army National Guard and active-duty CH-47 crews delivered cargo to support the establishment of base camp operations ahead of the climbing season on Mount McKinley, demonstrating heavy-lift capability in a high-altitude environment.

National Guard Soldiers to Compete in Best Ranger Competition
April 10, 2026 — Six of the National Guard’s most lethal Ranger-qualified Soldiers will compete for the coveted title of ‘Best Ranger’ at the 42nd annual Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, April 10-12, at Fort Benning, Georgia. The National Guard is represented by three two-man teams: U.S. Army Capt. Erik Gorman and Capt. Christian Thompson; 1st Lt. Zachary Thompson and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Flora; and 1st Lt. Talan Saylor and Cpl. Brendan Fox... MORE

U.S. Army Capt. Erik Gorman, a plans officer with the Alaska Army National Guard, is one of six National Guard Soldiers competing in the 42nd annual Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, April 10–12, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Representing three two-man teams, National Guard Soldiers are competing alongside 61 teams from across the Army in a grueling three-day event that tests physical endurance, technical proficiency and leadership under pressure. Their participation highlights the National Guard’s readiness, lethality and ability to perform at the highest levels of military excellence.

Alaska National Guard Human Resource Office modernizes to improve customer service
April 2, 2026 — Alaska National Guard Human Resource Office modernizes to improve customer service... MORE

Avalanche Company hones lethality at JBER Infantry Platoon Battle Course
March 26, 2026 — Avalanche Company hones lethality at JBER Infantry Platoon Battle Course... MORE

Alaska Air National Guard Member's Readiness and Willingness to Help Saves a Life
March 17, 2026 — FAIRBANKS, Alaska — What began as a father-daughter evening at an Armed Services YMCA Father-Daughter Gala quickly turned into a life-saving moment when an Alaska Air National Guard Airman used his training to assist an unresponsive Fairbanks resident... MORE

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Anthony Lesle, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 168th Transportation Flight, discusses vehicle maintenance statuses at the 168th Wing, ensuring fleet readiness in support of operations and winter conditions.