Teamwork in Alaska: Dynamic retasking is not just the stuff of an operational theater for at least two search and rescue units. An HC-130P/N tanker of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 211th Rescue Squadron and an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter of the 210th RQS were flying a training mission, when the Rescue Coordination Center, tapped them to respond to a real-world rescue. The tanker refueled the helo, which then picked up pararescuemen from ANG’s 212th RQS and flew to the crash site, where they found the pilot dead but stabilized the Piper aircraft’s passenger. (Here is the USAF statement.)
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.