Kulis ANGB, Anchorage, AK; 14 Apr 09

On the East side of Ted Stevens International at Anchorage is a military facility, known as Kulis Air National Guard Base (ANGB). Kulis ANGB is home to the 176th Wg of the Alaska ANG, who operate a variety of aircraft. The 176th Wg flying units consist of the 144th Airlift Squadron (AS) and the 210th Rescue Squadron (RQS).

The 210th RQS was formed in 1990, operating the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter. Its mission was to provide search and rescue coverage for the area, taking on the role of the famous 71st ARS, which deactivated in 1989. Today, the unit still operates the Pave Hawk, in the form of the HH-60G, along with the HC-130N Hercules. The primary role of the unit is to provide wartime Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), however they also have an important peace-time role, to provide a constant 24 hour alert to rescue military and civilian personnel stranded in Alaska’s wilderness.

Our visit began with a visit to one of the Kulis ANGB hangars, in which we were able to photograph one of the HH-60s, while another aircraft was being prepared for a flight later in the day.

Moving outside into the gloomy morning, we were able to view the other half of the 210th RQS team, the HC-130N. The Hercules aircraft provide air refuelling for the Pave Hawks, along with serving as airborne search aircraft and delivering para-rescue personnel. Two aircraft were present on the ramp, one of which was being de-iced for a flight later in the day.

The other component of the 176th Wg is the 144th AS, operating the C-130H Hercules. There were 2 of their aircraft present on the ramp, one of which departed during our visit. The C-130s provide regular airlift capability within Alaska, and worldwide.

As well as the operational aircraft at Kulis, there is a large collection of preserved aircraft on display around the base. The first aircraft operated by the Alaska Air National Guard was the T-6 Texan, which arrived in 1953, in preparation for the arrival of jets in the form of the T-33, and later the F-80 Shooting Star, to be operated by the 144th Fighter Bomber Squadron.

F-86 Sabres replaced the F-80s in 1955, before the unit was re-roled as an airlift squadron, the 144th Transportation Squadron (Light), equipped with the C-47. The C-47s were later replaced by the C-123 Provider, which was to serve for 16 years before being replaced by the C-130E, forerunner to the current C-130H.

With thanks to Capt Guy Hayes of the Alaska National Guard Public Affairs Office for escorting us during our visit.

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