The search and rescue airmen of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing at Kulis ANG Base are handling rescue missions in the Interior Alaska normally covered by the Alaska Army National Guard’s Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic unit, reports the News-Miner. According to the newspaper, the Army’s MAST, which has deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months, supported Alaska State Troopers when they fell short of resources or lacked the right equipment.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.