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Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured climber near Eklutna Lake

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescue an injured climber June 29 near Eklutna Lake after the patient was struck by a boulder and unable to self-evacuate. (Alaska Natoinal Guard courtesy photo)

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Alaska Air National Guard rescues injured climber near Eklutna Lake

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard conducts air-to-air refueling with a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during exercise Kodiak Mace 25, in Alaskan airspace, May 6, 2025. During exercise Kodiak Mace 25, Marines with VMGR-152 conduct air-to-air refueling with the 210th Rescue Squadron to provide pilot

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured climber June 29 near Eklutna Lake after the climber was struck by a boulder and unable to self-evacuate.

Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers. Due to the remote and challenging terrain, military support was requested to ensure timely rescue and transport.

The Alaska Air National Guard accepted the mission and deployed a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pave Hawk with 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen (PJs) aboard. The HH-60 crew located the injured individual, and the PJs stabilized them before loading them into the helicopter for transport to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for further care.

Leadership of 176th Wing praised the coordination between agencies and the rapid response of the rescue crews, emphasizing the value of maintaining readiness for Alaska’s unique and demanding environments.

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