JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guard’s 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons rescued two men Monday at a strip near Lake George. They landed their Cessna 180 Sunday and became stuck due to soft mud from recent rain.
“The pilot had contacted some friends that were going out there to help them,” explained Staff Sgt. Katie Langerman, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center controller. “However, at the time of the call, the assistance from the friends was unknown.”
The mission was turned over to the Alaska State Troopers Sunday night. However, Monday morning it was determined the conditions of the distressed aircraft exceeded the search and rescue capabilities of their friends and the Alaska State Troopers.
The Alaska Air National Guard accepted the mission Monday at approximately 12:48 p.m. and launched from JBER an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 210th Rescue Squadron with a team of pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron on board.
A Good Samaritan pilot reported accurate location information which enabled the rescue teams to immediately visually locate the distressed aircraft, mentioned Langerman.
The helicopter was able to land nearby to extricate the two survivors and their golden retriever. They were then flown to Providence Hospital in Anchorage and released with no injuries.
“In a state as big and wild as Alaska, always be prepared to spend the night,” added Langerman. “While SAR forces are on call 24/7, we have limited resources and a large area to cover. Outdoor enthusiasts should always travel with a couple days’ worth of survival gear including a warm sleeping bag, clothing, water and the ability to start a fire.”
