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 | Nov. 6, 2021

Airlifter Tanker’s Association recognizes Arctic Guardians for evacuation of Afghans

By Staff Sgt. Kelly Willett 176th Wing Public Affairs

The Airlift Tanker’s Association presented coins Oct. 30 for 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft crew members for their efforts during Operation ALLIES REFUGE in August and September. 


ATA’s recognition was for the squadron’s support during the operation in Afghanistan from Aug. 12 to Sept. 2, which was the largest noncombatant evacuation operation since Vietnam.

Alaska Air National Guard 1st Lt. Luke Cvancara, C-17 copilot during the operation, accepted the ceremonial coin on behalf of the 144th AS at the 30th Annual ATA conference in Orlando, Florida.

One flight carried 476 passengers and required an emergency waiver to exceed the typically approved 350 passengers. There was little passenger security during these flights, leading to the crew taking responsibility for passenger screening and aircraft security.

Staff Sgt. Merick Ahlberg, a 144th AS loadmaster involved in this mission, expressed his initial reluctance and subsequent pride for being part of the mission.

“It’s not something you want to have to go do, especially based on the circumstances surrounding the event, but I was glad to be chosen to go, and I was glad to go with the people who went,” he said. “I knew we could get the job done, no matter what the scenario was.”

Maj. Zach Roberts, 144th AS C-17 aircraft commander, said the mission was short notice.

“Our crew was notified a day prior to leaving into the unknown that was evacuating refugees from Kabul,” he said. “It was an incredible opportunity to represent the Alaska Air National Guard while flying one of the most unique and rewarding missions any of us have and possibly ever will fly while helping as many people as possible”.

In total, during the 17-day mission, the crew evacuated 1,051 passengers and moved 395,800 pounds of cargo.

Alaska National Guard TAG Match 2025 showcases lethality across the force
June 6, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard conducts MEDEVAC mission from Skagway to Juneau
June 4, 2025
An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion conducts flight operations over Southeast Alaska near Juneau, Jan. 24, 2025.

Alaska Army Guard leads, supports statewide cadet leadership events
June 3, 2025
Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Katlyn Olexa, a recruiter assistant assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, leads a morning physical fitness session for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Dimond, Bartlett, Service, East, Colony and the Bethel Regional high schools at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 29, 2025. The PT session was part of the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge camp, designed to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and military discipline among the cadets. Alaska Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion personnel served as safety observers and mentors, providing guidance, and sharing their expertise to enhance the cadets’ training experience.

Alaska Rescue Coordination Center directs 10 saves during start of rescue season
May 30, 2025
na

AKARNG Best Warrior Competition highlights excellence, partnership
May 22, 2025
Fifteen competitors, including thirteen from the Alaska Army National Guard and two from the Mongolian Armed Forces, competed in the 2025 AKARNG Best Warrior Competition, held May 19–22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Alaska Army National Guard aviators rescue four stranded boaters near Kotlik
May 21, 2025

The AKARNG's 207th Multi-Functional Training Regiment conducts Infantry Advanced Leader Course
April 23, 2025
na

Pararescue, airlift Alaska Air National Guardsmen parachute jump into Kodiak
April 10, 2025
na

Alaska Army Guardsmen rescue injured skier near Mt. Spurr volcano
April 2, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard rescues 3 plane crash victims on glacial lake near Soldotna
March 26, 2025
na