Media Availability: Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard train for Arctic emergencies

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Coast Guard invites members of the media aboard a Kodiak-based HC-130 Hercules aircraft as it performs joint training with the Alaska Air National Guard at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Thursday in preparation for a joint Arctic response exercise to be held in Barrow in July.

Interested media will need to arrive at Boniface Gate no later than 10 a.m. Thursday. Media interviews will be available before the training begins at 12 p.m.

The Coast Guard aircrew will be working with the Alaska National Guard pararescuemen in the proper way to safely deploy equipment and personnel from the plane. During Thursday’s exercise, equipment and personnel will be deployed from multiple altitudes simulating what a joint response effort for a rescue event in the remote Arctic might demand.

As Alaska’s Arctic coastline becomes more accessible, the Coast Guard continues to work with National, State and local partners to ensure the safety of life at sea. This training exercise provides two of Alaska’s military based search and rescue practitioners a chance to work together, training on how to safely respond to any future situation.

Limited seating is available. Media interested in covering the event should contact Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley at 907-321-4510. For information about the Alaska Air National Guard, contact Maj. Guy Hayes at 907-428-6030

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