Historic Evacuation Underway as Typhoon Halong Strikes Western Alaska
#disaster #alaska #evacuation #shelters #relief
Mass evacuation unfolds across Western Alaska as Typhoon Halong devastates villages; shelters open and relief efforts coordinate.
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About Alaska National Guard
The **Alaska National Guard** is a dual-state and federal military force comprising the Alaska Army National Guard and the Alaska Air National Guard, serving both state and national defense roles. Headquartered at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, it operates under the governor of Alaska unless federalized by the President, reflecting a unique blend of local emergency response and national military readiness[1][3]. Historically, the Alaska National Guard has evolved as a critical component of the U.S. military reserve forces, integrating into the Army and Air Force structures while maintaining specialized state missions. The Alaska Army National Guard, with about 1,850 soldiers as of 2006, includes diverse units such as aviation, infantry, missile defense, and civil support teams, highlighting its multifaceted capabilities[3]. The Alaska Air National Guard’s largest unit, the 176th Wing, conducts global airlift, combat search and rescue, and air-sea rescue missions, demonstrating vital operational flexibility and technological proficiency[1][7]. Key achievements include frequent rescue operations in Alaska’s harsh environments, such as multiple successful missions saving distressed boaters and supporting disaster relief efforts during natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, and storms[1][7]. The Guard also plays a significant role in national security, with deployments supporting missions like the Southwest Border Mission alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection[5]. Currently, the Alaska National Guard actively supports state emergency operations, including recent flood and storm recovery efforts on Alaska’s West Coast in 2024 and 2025, assisting with debris removal, damage assessments, and logistical support[5][6]. Its personnel are trained and equipped to integrate seamlessly with active-duty forces under the “Total Force” concept, ensuring rapid federal mobilization when needed[1]. Notably, the Guard balances advanced military technology and local knowledge, making it a vital, adaptive force for Alaska’s unique geographic and strategic challenges, blending cutting-edge aviation, missile defense, and civil support with community-focuse
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