JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDON, Alaska—In response to a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, the 11th Rescue Coordination Center tasked the Alaska Air National Guard with a rescue mission of an ill hunter in the vicinity of Grasshopper Valley Monday.

Approximately 50 miles northeast of Anchorage, Grasshopper Valley is surrounded by glaciers and rough mountainous terrain, and according to 11^th RCC reports, the ill hunter and his partner were also trapped on a ledge.

“Initially the Alaska State Troopers requested LifeMed, but due to the location of the distressed hunters a hoist equipped helicopter was needed,” said Maj. David Breun, 11^th RCC senior controller. “The individuals were reported to be on a 250 foot ledge on the side of a hill and because the Alaska National Guard has the only hoist-capable aircraft in the state, they were called in for the rescue.”

The Alaska Air National Guard responded to the request, sending an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 210^th Rescue Squadron with ‘Guardian Angels’ from the 212^th Rescue Squadron onboard.

Shortly after the mission launched at 9 p.m., the rescue squadrons located the distressed individuals, mildly hypothermic and exhausted, and were able to hoist them into the aircraft. By midnight the hunters were transported and released to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

“With the winds being as turbulent as they have been recently, it was lucky that we had a window long enough to allow the rescue squadrons to complete the mission,” Breun said. “It’s really important that people take into account the weather and possibility of being stranded when they venture into the Alaska wilderness, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death out here.”

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