An official website of the United States government
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 | July 14, 2021

Alaska Air National Guard Airmen rescue injured mountain biker near Girdwood

By David Bedard 176th Wing Public Affairs

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured mountain biker near Girdwood, July 14.
 
The biker, riding an electric bike, was reported to the Alaska State Troopers as lost in the vicinity of Upper Winner Creek Trail.
 
Alaska Air National Guard Master Sgt. David Alborn, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center senior controller, said the AST requested assistance from the AKRCC, and they requested assistance from the 176th Wing who dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 212th Rescue Squadron pararescue team (PJs).
 
A Girdwood Fire Department ground search and rescue team located the biker before the Pave Hawk arrived, but they were unable to safely transport him.
 
Due to vegetation and terrain, the Pave Hawk crew hoisted down two PJs who packaged and hoisted the biker to the helicopter.
 
The Pave Hawk transported the biker to the Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and released him to medical staff there.
 
Alborn said planning is key to safety when venturing into the Alaska wilderness.
 
“It’s important to be familiar with the area and the trails, and to properly plan your route,” he said. “Even for a short trip, be prepared to spend an extended time or even the night if necessary.”
 
For this rescue, 210th RQS, 212th RQS, the AKRCC, and the Girdwood Fire Department were awarded one save.
 
 
Rescue of 2 plane crash victims in Yukon Territory kicks off 176th Wing’s busy rescue week
February 7, 2025
na

AKARNG 297th RSG to deploy to Eastern Europe in support of NATO allies, expeditionary base operations
January 27, 2025
na

Aviation distress signal draws rapid, multi-agency response at Merrill Field Airport
January 16, 2025
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Capt. Rick Benedict, a fifteen-year-old assigned to the Birchwood Composite Squadron, uses a receiver to measure signal strength to locate a distress beacon during a three-day training event Nov. 4, 2023, at the Birchwood Airport in Chugiak, Alaska.

Alaska National Guard strengthens cooperation with Alaskan Command
January 6, 2025
Alaska National Guard strengthens cooperation with Alaskan Command

From sleigh to Humvee: Operation Santa Claus 2024 wraps up in Yakutat
December 19, 2024
Santa Claus rides inside an Alaska Army National Guard Humvee before meeting local children and community members during Operation Santa Claus in Yakutat, Alaska, Dec. 18, 2024.

176th Maintenance Squadron fields helicopter engine test stand
December 11, 2024
176th Maintenance Squadron fields helicopter engine test stand

Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard rescue pilot at Iliamna Lake
November 26, 2024
Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard rescue pilot at Iliamna Lake

Alaska National Guard Brings Holiday Cheer to Circle, Alaska with Operation Santa Claus
November 26, 2024
na

Alaska National Guard flies 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay via IRT program
November 22, 2024
na

AKARNG deploys 208th Construction Management Team to Middle East, bolsters Guard’s commitment to federal missions
November 14, 2024
na