OCTOBER 22, 2025 – Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Wing rescued two individuals involved in a plane crash near Ruth Glacier, on Oct. 19.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to a request from the National Park Service to rescue two uninjured individuals involved in a plane crash near Ruth Glacier within the Denali National Park.
The Denali National Park encompasses an area of over 7,400 square miles.
The 176th Operations Group search and rescue duty officer accepted the mission and dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with 212th Rescue Pararescuemen on board from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The Pave Hawk crew departed to the crash site within one hour of notification.
Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Bowerfind, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Alaska National Guard Joint Staff, said that this mission highlights the organization’s ethos of being “always ready, always there.”
“The Alaska National Guard is a true 24/7 organization” Bowerfind said. “While the Alaska Organized Militia is leading one of the largest evacuations in the state’s history and carrying out recovery efforts, our aircrew, maintainers, and support personnel remain on alert to fulfill our broader mission of supporting the state.”
The Pararescuemen rendered medical aid and transported the occupants to the Anchorage area, releasing the patients to the Anchorage Fire Department.
During the current lapse in appropriations, the Department of Defense continues to defend the nation and conduct ongoing military operations.
This mission was conducted as an excepted activity necessary for the safety and protection of human life.
Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellerive
176th Wing