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 | Aug. 9, 2022

Alaska Army, Air Guard team rescues overdue hikers at Crow Pass

By Staff Sgt. Katie Mazos-Vega , Alaska National Guard Public Affairs

Alaska Army National Guard’s G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th General Support Aviation Battalion and Alaska Air National Guard’s 212th Rescue Squadron teamed up to rescue two lost hikers at Crow Pass, Aug. 9.
 
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received a mission support request from the Alaska State Troopers concerning hikers in Crow Pass that did not return when planned. According to the AKRCC, the hikers were wet, but were in stable condition with no injuries.
 
The hikers were carrying a Garmin GPS device, but dropped it along their route. After seeing their grid coordinates stay in the same location for two days, their mother called the Alaska State Troopers, who then contacted the AKRCC.
 
Capt. Seth Peterson, a controller at the AKRCC, said two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crews received the mission and took off from Bryant Army Airfield to Elmendorf Air Field to pick up the pararescuemen while en route to Crow Pass.

After approximately 40 minutes of searching, the joint rescue teams located and made contact with the two hikers and transported them to Girdwood Airport for transfer to the Girdwood Fire Department. 
 
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Miller, a UH-60M pilot assigned to the mission, said the hikers came well prepared for their hike but were running low on supplies. He also said they were easy to spot.
 
“They wore bright clothes and their gear was easy to see from the air,” said Miller. “This was able to help us find them a lot quicker.”
 
For this rescue mission, the AKRCC, 207th AVN, and 212th RQS received credit for two saves. 
AKNG COP manager leads charge on AI integration in disaster response
July 11, 2025
na

Alaska Army Guard aviators rescue family of 6, stranded on Kuskokwim River during summer storm
July 1, 2025
na

Diamond Strong: 176th Wing LRS Airman earns NGB first sergeant of the year honors
June 30, 2025
na

Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured climber near Eklutna Lake
June 28, 2025
na

Ling succeeds Groat as Alaska state command chief
June 26, 2025
Chief Master Sgt. Kim T. Groat relinquishes the position of the State Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Alaska Air National Guard to Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Ling during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 18, 2025. Brig. Gen. Brian D. Kile, the commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, presided over the ceremony.

Key leaders visit Shepard Point IRT site
June 26, 2025
na

Alaska National Guard leads ORCA WMD exercise in Juneau
June 16, 2025
The exercise is a full-scale all-hazards chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives joint and interagency training exercise testing and evaluating the operational capability of the whole-of-government emergency management system.

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.