News

Alaska, Maine Guard Conduct Disaster Preparation Exercise
March 13, 2024 — ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The National Guard’s “Always Ready, Always There” motto symbolizes its vigilant presence across the nation. In Alaska, where natural disasters like earthquakes pose significant threats, a prompt and coordinated response is paramount.Exercise Vigilant Guard 2024-2, held March 4-8, assessed the readiness of the Alaska National... MORE

Alaska and Maine National Guardsmen offload from a 176th Wing C-17 Globemaster III while supporting Exercise Vigilant Guard 2024-2 (Alaska) at Merle K. “Mudhole” Smith Airport, Cordova, Alaska, March 5, 2024.

Alaska Air National Guardsman volunteers as JROTC drill judge
February 22, 2024 — Alaska Air National Guardsman volunteers as JROTC drill judge... MORE

Bison Company’s cold weather training triumphs in Bethel
February 7, 2024 — Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, demonstrated readiness and resilience during their cold weather training in Bethel, Alaska, February 2-4, 2024.This training marked a significant reunion for the Alaska Army National Guard infantry unit in Bethel, emphasizing the city's importance as a training ground that challenges Soldiers... MORE

Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, demonstrated readiness and resilience during their cold weather training in Bethel, Alaska, February 2-4, 2024.
This training marked a significant reunion for the Alaska Army National Guard infantry unit in Bethel, emphasizing the city's importance as a training ground that challenges Soldiers to adapt and excel in real-world scenarios.

Alaska Naval Militia, U.S. Navy Reserve pay tribute to S-26 submariners
January 24, 2024 — In a solemn gathering at the U.S. Navy Reserve Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, sailors from the Alaska Naval Militia and U.S. Navy Reserve assembled Jan. 24, to pay homage to their fallen comrades lost 82 years ago. On Jan. 24, 1942, the S-26 (SS 131), a U.S. Navy S-class submarine, was lost in the Gulf of Panama, marking an emotional chapter in naval history. ... MORE

In a solemn gathering at the U.S. Navy Reserve Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, sailors from the Alaska Naval Militia and U.S. Navy Reserve assembled Jan. 24, to pay homage to their fallen comrades lost 82 years ago.

Aircraft maintenance Airmen critical part of Pave Hawk transport mission
January 11, 2024 — Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the active duty 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted a joint operation to transport an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from Bethel to JBER in early January 2024... MORE

Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Aircraft Maintenance from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the active duty 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted a joint operation to transport an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from Bethel to JBER in early January 2024.

Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus spreads holiday cheer to remote communities
December 5, 2023 — In its 68th year, 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 Fort Yukon, Golovin, Koyuk, and Tuluksak. Teaming up with The Salvation Army, this year’s program is set to deliver gifts and tidings of good cheer to approximately 560 children. ... MORE

Alaska Air National Guard pilots 1st Lt. Skylar Caldwell, left, and Capt. Gerren Blair, and loadmaster, Tech Sgt. John Teamer II, enjoy time with Santa and Mrs. Claus while flying the festive couple to Bethel during Operation Santa Claus Nov. 15, 2023.

Alaska Military Youth Academy honored with Gold Pan Award
November 22, 2023 — The spotlight of recognition shone brightly on the Alaska Military Youth Academy during the Anchorage Chamber's 66th Annual Gold Pan Awards at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage, Nov. 17... MORE

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce hosted the 66th Annual Gold Pan Awards on Nov. 17, 2023, at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage.

Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus makes a lifesaving detour
November 16, 2023 — The Alaska National Guard's annual community outreach program, Operation Santa Claus, took an unexpected turn this year as its mission to bring holiday joy to the village of Tuluksak became a vital lifeline for a resident of the nearby village of Napaskiak... MORE

From the left, Holly Demert and Clifton Dalton, both flight paramedics with LifeMed, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Bethel Army Aviation Operating Facility commander, move a critically ill patient from an AKARNG UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to an ambulance during a medical evacuation from Napaskiak to Bethel, Nov. 15, 2023

Cadets soar in Civil Air Patrol search and rescue exercise
November 13, 2023 — In a small general aviation airport located on the east shore of the Knik Arm, the Birchwood Composite Squadron became a hub of activity as Civil Air Patrol members converged for a three-day training exercise that took flight Nov. 3 at the Birchwood Airport... MORE

Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Stephen Sammons, left, Alaska Wing emergency services officer, instructs CAP cadets from the Southcentral Region where to find an Emergency Locator Transmitter onboard a Cessna 172 aircraft during a three-day training event Nov. 4, 2023, at the Birchwood Airport in Chugiak, Alaska.

A new set of cross pistols: AKARNG "Wolf Gang" Military Police Company deactivates, ushering in new detachment
November 3, 2023 — In 2008, the Alaska Army National Guard’s 297th Military Police Company was established to enhance the organization’s force protection, anti-terror and crime prevention capabilities, upholding the tradition of the military police specialty to uphold military law and regulation. In its 15-year history, it served as an integral part of the AKARNG’s mission around the state and across the world, from Fairbanks to Cuba. ... MORE