An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | April 29, 2021

Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk is in Bethel for spring flood season

By Lt. Col. Candis Olmstead

The Alaska National Guard prepositioned a hoist-capable UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Bethel April 27 as part of the State’s effort to prepare for disaster response during the 2021 spring flood season, considering the potential threat of flooding along the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers.

 

A Black Hawk and aircrew from the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, arrived in Bethel April 27 and will remain until the risk for flooding subsides. While stationed in Bethel, the crew will continue to train on their federal mission and remain ready to respond to any requests for support from civil authorities through the State Emergency Operations Center.

 

Each spring, the River Watch program renews a partnership between the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, ongoing for more than 30 years. The Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center and DHS&EM conduct aerial observations of rivers prone to ice jam flooding. They provide flood warnings and assist communities responding to flood emergencies.

 

The first River Watch team is planning to begin surveillance flights on the Upper Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers the first week of May.

 

The Guard has an aviation facility in Bethel and for many years, one or two helicopters have been stationed there. However, more than half of the unit’s aircraft and aircrew are currently deployed overseas for a nine-month deployment in the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.

 

A Black Hawk aircrew is equipped and prepared to respond expeditiously to a rapid event that may require evacuation.

Alaska Organized Militia, multi-agency teams join forces to aid Kotzebue flood recovery
October 28, 2024
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Joint Task Force - Kotzebue assist the Arctic Circle community with recovery efforts, Oct. 26, 2024, following a recent storm that caused severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. The 11-member team, including personnel from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, was activated by the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.

Alaska Organized Militia members arrive in Kotzebue to assist with storm response
October 25, 2024
Members of the Alaska Organized Militia assigned to Joint Task Force Kotzebue assess priority-one damaged homes in the Arctic Circle community of Kotzebue, Oct. 26, 2024. The team’s measurements will help local emergency managers determine supplies needed to repair and rebuild structures impacted by severe flooding along Alaska’s West Coast. Many buildings in the area sustained foundation, sub-floor, and insulation damage due to the storm. The 11-member team, including personnel from the Alaska Air and Army National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force, was activated by the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.

Alaska National Guard sending service members to assist with storm response in Kotzebue
October 24, 2024

1-297th Infantry Battalion changes command, honors Lt. Col. Bushatz
October 21, 2024
Alaska Army National Guard Lt. Col. Luke Bushatz, left, outgoing commander for the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, passes the colors to Col. Michele Edwards, the commander of the 297th Regional Support Group, as part of a change of command ceremony on Oct. 20, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Alaska National Guardsmen no longer required in Florida hurricane response
October 16, 2024

Alaska National Guard and State EOC to support hurricane response efforts in Southeastern US
October 11, 2024
na

Service after sale: Juneau-based recruiter makes strides in Southeast Alaska
October 8, 2024
na

Alaska Army National Guardsmen to deploy to Southwest border to support Customs and Border Protection
October 3, 2024
na

Alaska Army National Guard stations Black Hawk helicopter in Juneau
September 20, 2024
na

Alaska Army and Air Guard rescue four hunters in back-to-back, same-day missions
September 17, 2024
na