Press Release Says, Alaska Air National Guard Hoists Snowmachiners to Safety

CAMP DENALI, Alaska—Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guard’s 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were called upon late Sunday evening to rescue two snowmachiners in the Wasilla area.

The request for assistance came in at 9:56 p.m. from the Alaska State Troopers, and because of the location and equipment required, the 11thRescue Coordination Center tasked the 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons with rescuing the two lost snowmachiners approximately 11 miles north of Wasilla.

“The men were headed back to Wasilla and went down a steep hill and into thick alders,” said Lt. Col. Mark Welborn, 11th Rescue Coordination Center senior controller. “They were unable to continue forward or move back up the hill and weren’t prepared to spend the night. The Troopers located them, but because of the terrain, hoist capabilities were required; so the Troopers requested assistance from us, and we tasked the 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons with the mission.”

The 210th responded with a hoist-equipped HH-60 Pave Hawk carrying 212th pararescuemen to the men’s location.

“They found the men in good condition with no injuries,” said Maj. John Morse, Alaska Air National Guard search and rescue duty officer. “Within a matter of minutes, they were able to rescue the men using hoist equipment and fly them back to Wasilla.”

“I am proud that our guys are so well trained that they are able to complete these kinds of missions, especially since they were called in late at night on the weekend for this particular one,” Morse said. “This is what we train for every day, and I’m happy we are able to use our skills to help the community.”

The Alaska Air National Guard was awarded two saves for the mission.