News - Page 6

268th Security Forces Squadron welcomes new Commander
August 14, 2025 — CLEAR SPACE FORCE STATION, Alaska – The 268th Security Forces Squadron marked a significant milestone with a formal Assumption of Command ceremony, welcoming their new commander, who brings a deep appreciation for the unit’s mission and dedication. U.S. Air National Guard Col. Randy Saldivar, 168th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony and passed the squadron guidon to Maj. Jeffrey L. Gebhardt, officially appointing him as a commander of the 268th SFS...

Alaska Army National Guard aviators accomplish two rescue missions at the start of Alaska sheep hunting season
August 13, 2025 — Alaska Army National Guards Soldiers assigned to G Co. 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion conducted two separate rescues of hunters with leg injuries on Aug. 10, at the start of the Alaska sheep hunting season. Both rescues launched from JBER using an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with external fuel tanks to provide additional fuel capacity for extended flights. ...

Alaska Army National Guard hosts multi-agency hoist symposium, expands partnerships, improves SAR coordination
July 29, 2025 — Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to Golf Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, hosted mission partners for a multi-agency hoist symposium at Bryant Army Airfield on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, July 20-22. The event brought together search and rescue professionals from across Alaska including Alaska Army National Guard aviators; U.S. Coast Guard crews from Air Stations Kodiak and Sitka; Alaska Air National Guard Airmen from the 176th Wing’s rescue units; U.S. Army aviators from Fort Wainwright’s 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion; Alaska State Troopers; volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group; and personnel from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. ...

Alaska Air National Guard rescues climber trapped on cliff near Seward
July 28, 2025 — Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued a climber who was trapped and unable to climb down a steep cliff July 27 in the vicinity of Seward...

AKARNG aviation maintenance Soldiers conduct HH-60M Black Hawk repairs
July 23, 2025 — Alaska Army National Guard helicopter maintenance personnel with the 207th Aviation Troop Command conducted repairs on an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter swash plate assembly and mounted it back onto the aircraft July 21, 2025, in Hangar 6 on Bryant Army Airfield at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson...

AKNG COP manager leads charge on AI integration in disaster response
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. The effort was led by Wolf Russo, a Title V civilian and the Common Operating Picture manager with the AKNG Joint Staff...

Alaska Army Guard aviators rescue family of 6, stranded on Kuskokwim River during summer storm
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 an Alaska State Troopers request for assistance when the family’s boat became stuck on a sandbar in the river. The AKARNG accepted the mission and launched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from the armory in Bethel and flew 25 miles south to search for the stranded people...

Diamond Strong: 176th Wing LRS Airman earns NGB first sergeant of the year honors
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 commitment to the morale and welfare of the airmen they serve. For First Sgt. Anthony Celia, 176th Wing’s Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, that symbol now shines even brighter after being named the National Guard Bureau First Sergeant of the Year in 2025...

Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured climber near Eklutna Lake
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...

Ling succeeds Groat as Alaska state command chief
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 leader for the Alaska Air National Guard, which includes the AKANG Air Staff, 168th Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, and the 176th Wing at JBER. The 168th Wing’s 213th Space Warning Squadron and 268th Security Forces Squadron are stationed at Clear Space Force Station, and the 176th Wing’s 210th Rescue Squadron Detachment 1 is at Eielson. ...