Alaska Guard's New Helicopter Saves Injured Snowmachiner

A snowmachiner trapped in Alaska's rugged backcountry got a second chance at life thanks to a brand-new rescue helicopter making its debut mission.

The Alaska Air National Guard launched the rescue on February 21 after Alaska State Troopers reported an injured rider stranded near Cooper Landing, about 60 miles south of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Dense forests, steep mountains, and deep snow made the area nearly impossible to reach by ground.

The rescue marked a milestone for the 210th Rescue Squadron. They deployed the HH-60W Jolly Green II, the Air Force's newest combat rescue helicopter, on its first real-world search and rescue operation.

Good Samaritans at the scene fired a signal flare that cut through the wilderness and helped the crew spot the injured rider. The helicopter couldn't land because of the treacherous terrain, so Guardian Angels from the 212th Rescue Squadron stepped in.

The aircrew used a hoist system to lower the Guardian Angels into the thick forest. They secured the injured snowmachiner with a rescue strop and lifted them up through the tree canopy into the aircraft.

The helicopter rushed the patient to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, where they received further medical care.

Why This Inspires

This rescue shows how investing in better equipment saves real lives. The Jolly Green II replaces the older HH-60G Pave Hawk with upgraded technology designed specifically for difficult rescues like this one.

Alaska's rescue teams routinely face some of the world's most challenging environments. Vast wilderness, extreme weather, and limited roads mean helicopters often provide the only lifeline for people in trouble.

The Alaska Air National Guard conducts these missions regularly across the state, supporting civil authorities when every minute counts. Their Guardian Angels train constantly for moments exactly like this one, where terrain that stops everyone else becomes just another day at work.

This successful first mission proves the new helicopter can handle Alaska's toughest challenges and bring people home safely.