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 | Oct. 25, 2022

Arctic Guardians rescue 6 snowmachiners at College Glacier

By David Bedard 176th Wing Public Affairs

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued six stranded snowmachiners Oct. 25 at College Glacier about 130 miles southeast of Fairbanks.

Alaska State Troopers requested support after the party triggered a satellite-communication device SOS signal.

At the request of the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, 176th Wing launched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King with 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen onboard both aircraft.

Due to extremely low visibility, the HC-130 dropped a flare to illuminate the snowmachiners’ location.

The HH-60 crew located the party and made contact. Pararesuemen instructed five snowmachiners to move to a clearing at a safe distance, so the crew could hoist one snowmachiner suffering cold weather injuries. The Pave Hawk then landed and loaded the remaining five.

The Pave Hawk crew transported the uninjured snowmachiners to the Richardson Highway near Richardson Monument and released them to Alaska State Troopers for their safety. They then transported the injured snowmachiner to the Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

The HC-130 air-to-air refueled the HH-60 during the mission to extend the helicopter’s range.

Alaska Air National Guard Capt. Christopher McKnight, AKRCC senior mission controller, said the party’s use of a satellite-communication device was critical for a good outcome.

“Over-the-horizon communication was their lifeline to the Troopers and to us,” he said. “It’s also important to be ready for winter weather as conditions can change quite suddenly for the worse.”

For the mission, 210th RQS, 211th RQS, 212th RQS and the AKRCC received credit for six saves.

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