News - Page 16

Navy celebrates Sol Atkinson for legacy of service to country, Alaskan veterans, community
August 10, 2023 — The U.S. Navy announced its profound tribute to the legacy of Alaska Native Solomon ‘Sol’ Atkinson, a steadfast servant of both his nation and native community of Metlakatla, Aug. 7...

207th Engineer Utilities Detachment retires the colors
August 8, 2023 — The 207th Engineer Utilities Detachment, Alaska Army National Guard, encased its colors for the final time during the unit’s deactivation ceremony Aug. 5, 2023...

Alaska National Guardsmen assist with Interior Alaska wildland fires
August 7, 2023 — Thirteen members of the Alaska National Guard deployed to Interior Alaska to support wildland fire suppression across the region. Eight 207th Aviation Troop Command Soldiers deployed to the Alaska Army National Guard Readiness Center in Fairbanks July 31 for UH-60 Black Hawk operations flying out of Fort Wainwright’s Ladd Army Airfield. ...

176th Air Defense Squadron surveillance technician competes in arctic triathlon
August 2, 2023 — 176th Air Defense Squadron surveillance technician competes in arctic triathlon...

Alaska Military Youth Academy starts 22-week program
August 2, 2023 — The Alaska Military Youth Academy welcomed 156 candidates July 19, 2023. They started with intake processing which include paperwork, haircuts for the men and assignment of gear they will need for the next 22 weeks. Day two is shock morning where candidates are roused out of bed at 6 a.m., put through calisthenics, learn about position of attention, how to do proper push-ups and are taught what will be expected of them for the next 22 weeks. Candidates spend a week in the acclimation phase before graduating to a cadet. Cadets will have the opportunity to serve the community through volunteer service hours, earn high school credits or GED, receive vocational training, and earn some job-specific certification. This is the 61st class to go through the academy. ...

Alaska National Guard command sergeant major soars into retirement
August 1, 2023 — Amidst the vast Alaskan skies, an impressive sight unfolded on July 21, as Alaska Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Grunst prepared to take the leap of a lifetime. Gripping the side of an M-5 Maule aircraft, he peered down onto the Fort Richardson drop zone, knowing that this jump would be unlike any other in his illustrious career. Wearing his distinguished Army Service Uniform, jump boots, and maroon beret safely stowed, he braced himself for what lay ahead...

Tangirnaq Native, local hero memorialized at Kodiak Readiness Center
August 1, 2023 — The Kodiak Readiness Center in Kodiak, Alaska, was filled with somber reverence on July 27, 2023, as family, friends, and fellow service members gathered to pay tribute to the late Specialist Four Daniel Lee Harmon while memorializing the readiness center in his name...

Alaska National Guard kicks off IRT project in support of Shepard Point oil spill response site
July 27, 2023 — Shepard Point, Alaska – When the Exxon Valdez grounded on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989, more than 11 million gallons of heavy crude oil spilled into the sound. The spill spread over a vast area, impacting around 1,300 miles of coastline. Response efforts did not arrive onsite until 14 hours after the spill, and it took another 21 hours to place booms around the oil. The incident prompted changes in oil spill prevention, response regulations and practices. It led to the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 in the United States, spurred advancements in spill response technology and techniques and helped pass the Alyeska Consent Decree, which mandated the construction of three oil response facilities around the Prince William Sound: Chenega, Tatitlek, and Cordova. Of the three facilities, Cordova is the last to be built. ...

From McCarthy to McArthur: Alaska National Guard rescues 10 during the Independence Day weekend
July 6, 2023 — JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Rescue crews from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard navigated across 1,850 miles of southcentral, southwest and northeast Alaska, saving 10 people in four civil search and rescue missions and one medical evacuation mission. The first call for assistance came to the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center from Alaska State Troopers Friday, June 30. A hiker had used a satellite communication device to call for help after experiencing a significant leg injury on Winner Creek Trail near Girdwood...

Alaska National Guard rapidly deploys to Nome for Exercise ORCA 23
June 28, 2023 — Approximately 530 miles northwest of Anchorage, two survey team members from the Alaska National Guard’s 103rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team monitor handheld detectors scanning for radiation and nerve, blister, and blood agents as they prepare to enter a notional biological weapons lab at the Nome Fire Training Center as part of Exercise ORCA 2023...