Air National Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, civilian rescues, staffers say

Air National Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, civilian rescues, staffers say

By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Air National Guard flew 159 civilian search-and-rescue missions last year in the nation’s largest state, often during vicious storms that prevented air ambulances from taking off. It also patrolled the skies for spy balloons and missiles from China, Russia and North Korea, and supported U.S. fighter jets with refueling as they escorted Russian bombers that encroached on Americ…

Air National Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, civilian rescues, staffers say

The Alaska Air National Guard flew 159 civilian search-and-rescue missions last year in the nation's largest state, often during vicious storms that prevented air ambulances from taking off. It also