Alaska Air National Guard Conducts First Rescue with HH-60W Jolly Green II Helicopter

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – On February 21, 2026, the Alaska Air National Guard successfully completed a search and rescue mission, recovering an injured snowmachiner near Cooper Landing, Alaska. This mission marked the first operational leverage of the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter by the 210th Rescue Squadron, signifying a major upgrade in the Guard’s rescue capabilities.

Rescue Operation Details

The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers regarding the injured snowmachiner, located approximately 60 air miles south of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in the Cooper Landing area. The Alaska Air National Guard responded and located the individual.

Due to the challenging terrain – steep, wooded areas and deep snow – a traditional helicopter landing was not possible. Rescue crews utilized a hoist to lower Guardian Angels from the 212th Rescue Squadron to the scene. The injured snowmachiner was then secured in a rescue strop and hoisted into the aircraft. Alaska’s News Source reported that bystanders at the site assisted by deploying a signal flare, aiding the crew in locating the patient.

The patient was transported to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for further medical treatment. The Alaska National Guard confirmed the successful completion of the mission.

Introducing the HH-60W Jolly Green II

The HH-60W Jolly Green II is the Air Force’s newest combat rescue helicopter, designed to replace the HH-60G Pave Hawk. DVIDS highlights that the Alaska Air National Guard routinely conducts search and rescue operations across the state, providing critical life-saving assistance in remote and challenging environments. The HH-60W offers improved capabilities for these missions.

Alaska Air National Guard Search and Rescue

The Alaska Air National Guard plays a vital role in search and rescue operations throughout the state, often working in collaboration with civil authorities like the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. These operations are frequently conducted in some of the most remote and tough terrain in the world.