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

FILE - In this June 16, 2020, image released by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, a Russian Tu-95 bomber, top, is intercepted by a U.S. F-22 Raptor fighter off the coast of Alaska. Personnel changes proposed to take effect Oct. 1, 2024, at the national level may hinder the Alaska Air National Guard's ability to refuel U.S. and Canadian fighter jets when they scramble to escort Russian bombers nearing North American air space.

The Alaska Air National Guard conducted 159 such missions last year in largely roadless Alaska, many during vicious storms. In one instance, a military helicopter flew nearly 660 miles to pick up afrom an Alaska island 2 miles from Russia's waters. Last month, two airmen armed with pints of blood parachuted into another western Alaska community to care for a woman experiencing internal bleeding because it was the fastest way to get there.

“If we’re only watching the skies Monday through Friday and they launch a missile on Saturday, well, that’s failure,” said Alaska Guard commander Brig. Gen. Brian Kile. Local leaders have met with National Guard leadership, hoping to change their minds about the cuts in Alaska. “You’re living in fear for the future,” said Sgt. Sharon Queenie, a Yup’ik Eskimo and Guard member who monitors the skies for errant aircraft or spy balloons. The single mother of three will see her $104,000 annual salary cut in half, which she said could force her to sell her house.

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