Released: Dec. 7, 2020 Download By: David Bedard 176th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured snowmachiner Dec. 6 near Petersville about 95 miles north of Anchorage and just south of Denali National Park.
Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Kevin Kelly, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center deputy director, said the snowmachiner's party used a satellite phone to contact the Alaska State Troopers who then contacted the AKRCC.
The AKRCC requested assistance from the 176th Wing who dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk search-and-rescue helicopter, a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Combat King II SAR aircraft, with both carrying 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen (PJs). PJs are highly trained SAR specialists and paramedics.
The Pave Hawk landed, and the PJs made contact and assessed the snowmachiner before evacuating him to the helicopter.
The snowmachiner was transported to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and released to medical personnel for further treatment.
Kelly commended the snowmachine party for carrying a satellite phone and being prepared.
"The snowmachiner was ready for a situation where he got injured or his machine broke down," he said. "Having a means of satellite communication and a plan for the worst while venturing into Alaska backcountry is critical to good outcomes."
For this rescue, 210th RQS, 211th RQS, 212th RQS and AKRCC were awarded one save.
