Alaska Air National Guard returns home after helping with Hurricane Florence devastation

An Alaska Air National Guard crew returned home to Anchorage Friday afternoon after deploying to the lower 48 to assist with the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence.

Members of the 210th, 211th and 212th rescue squadrons deployed together last Wednesday in an HC-130J out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The crews in planes were complimented by members of California's Air National Guard 129th Wing who flew in a HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter to reach and rescue survivors.

The crew worked out of Dover Airforce Base and Naval Air Station Oceana to rescue survivors from the hurricane and deliver supplies in affected areas of North and South Carolina. Making matters more logistically challenging, the team conducted aerial refueling operations to extend their flight times.

According to David Bedard, a spokesperson with the 176th Wing of Alaska Air National Guard, the guardsmen saved 11 people during their week and a half deployment.