My husband, Dave, happens to have the best job ever and gets to fly all through the Chugach Mountains as a Search and Rescue pilot for the Alaska Air National Guard. The view from his office away from the office is, of course, quite stunning! On rare occasions, every few years, spouse flights are available as a way of keeping the families in touch with their husband’s or wife’s job. This past fall all the stars aligned and I was able to make it on my second spouse flight. Woo-hoo!
There are so many wonderful things about these trips! The first thrill is just the opportunity to fly in a Pavehawk Helicopter. After being shuttled around central Alaska in Dave’s floatplane (with a lawn mower for an engine), climbing into a helicopter that actually has turbine engines and power to spare is the most awesome joyride!
Just being in the heart of the Chugach is another great perk. Hiking and climbing all over these mountains is the best way to experience them but a helicopter has to be a close second. You are in the midst of everything! The wildlife is everywhere and the sheep are especially abundant.
Getting to meet Dave’s co-workers and see them actually having to be serious while they are working is another great perk. Rarely have I seen them when they are not cutting up or harassing each other so it is quite entertaining to see them on the job and on their best behavior for the spouses!
Their real job, however, is the most amazing part of what they do. Although specifically here to rescue the Air Force pilots if the need arises, they primarily spend their time searching for and rescuing Alaskan civilians. Most everyone here knows someone who’s been picked up by these guys after unfortunate mishaps.
Early on in our relationship, I attended a dinner held in honor of my husband and the rest of the crew on a mission in which three people were rescued from the icy waters of Turnagain Arm. Unfortunately some others in their group did not survive. At the end of the evening the father of one of the rescued men waited patiently in the shadows to have his chance to speak to the crew before they made it out the door. When his chance finally came, the words did not. He grabbed onto Dave’s hand but couldn’t say a thing. All he could express was that one of the rescued men was his son.
That was my first glimpse into the impact that this unit has on the people and families of Anchorage. It’s an overwhelming job that at many times can be dangerous. It requires non-stop training and involves many crazy hours, whacked out work schedules and deployments overseas. It also has it’s share of rewards like seeing the overwhelming gratitude of a father when you are able to bring his son home safely. It makes me very proud of my husband and the talented group of people that he works with in the Search and Rescue squadron including all the people at the Alaska Air National Guard who make it possible for them to do their job. Thank you.
Recent Comments