Quantcast

Alaska's elite rescue squadron excels in diverse missions worldwide

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
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

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025