Quantcast

Alaska's elite rescue squadron excels in diverse missions worldwide

American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
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

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

Martha Arauz is the Human Resources Manager at LAV, where she is dedicated to promoting a positive work environment.

Jul 25, 2025

Content creators Adriana and Dylan, known as 2passports1dream, have highlighted Singapore Airlines' business class offerings on TikTok, specifically praising the airline's 'Book the Cook' program.

Jul 24, 2025

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan has been recognized as the "Best Airline Rewards Program" by U.S. News & World Report for the 11th consecutive year.

Jul 24, 2025

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are set to introduce a significant change on their Seattle-Tokyo route.

Jul 24, 2025

If you're a Verizon customer, there is a new credit card offer that may be worth considering.

Jul 24, 2025