Quantcast

Alaska's elite rescue squadron excels in diverse missions worldwide

Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Alaska's elite rescue squadron excels in diverse missions worldwide
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The 212th Rescue Squadron (212 RQS) is a specialized unit within the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing, recognized for its high level of training and operational readiness. Stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, the squadron conducts Personnel Recovery Operations, including Combat and peacetime Search and Rescue, emergency response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian missions.

Comprising Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) and pararescuemen known as Para-Jumpers (PJs), the squadron undergoes rigorous training. These soldiers often collaborate with other elite military units such as SEALs and Army Green Berets. Their training encompasses various environments and skills, focusing on combat medicine, survival techniques, special tactics, parachuting, scuba diving, and mountaineering.

"The pararescuemen possess the expertise to execute life-saving missions in the harshest and most austere environments," states the 176th Wing. CROs lead operations to ensure mission success while sharing similar training experiences with PJs.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The squadron operates HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130 Combat King II aircraft. The HH-60W helicopter is used for short-range rescue operations where quick extraction is necessary. The HC-130J provides heavy lift capabilities for long-endurance missions.

The motto of the 212 RQS is "So that others may live," reflecting their commitment to life-saving missions. Since Vietnam, PJs have participated in numerous high-profile rescues. During Operation Desert Storm, they played a crucial role in recovering personnel behind enemy lines.

To maintain their edge, the 212 RQS integrates new technologies like unmanned aerial systems for better real-time intelligence during operations. They also focus on improving medical equipment and aircraft systems to enhance mission performance.

Their capabilities extend beyond military operations; they actively participate in humanitarian efforts globally. In 2005, they demonstrated their ability to provide aid in remote areas following an earthquake in Pakistan.

Operating in Alaska's challenging environment tests their adaptability and precision. Their missions cover a wide range of tasks from military engagements to civil assistance during emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters.

The 212 RQS continues to uphold its legacy of service while adapting to evolving global challenges.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the SAF Matchmaker, a new platform designed to connect airlines with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) suppliers.

Jun 26, 2025

Emirates is celebrating The Championships, Wimbledon 2025, with special offerings for passengers and tennis fans.

Jun 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines will conduct a live conference call and webcast to present its financial results for the June quarter of 2025.

Jun 26, 2025

The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine, part of the P&W GTF series used on the A320neo, has been updated to the GTF Advantage (GTF-A).

Jun 25, 2025

Air France is set to halt its winter Airbus A350 flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Denver International Airport.

Jun 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines, a major global airline, operates nearly 1,000 aircraft from nine hub airports across the United States.

Jun 25, 2025