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The Alaska National Guard deployed troops to aid with flood recovery efforts in Kotzebue.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - The Alaska National Guard has been a vital part of recovery efforts in Kotzebue following a devastating flood and came in at the same time as winter began to set in. Dozens of homes have been damaged and over 80 residents have been displaced at a time when colling temperatures put people in jeopardy.
The damage and distress stemming from a flood that hit the city in late October. Since Oct. 24, members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes the Alaska National Guard, have been in Kotzebue assisting with the disaster response. The personnel involved with the effort has included “six members of the Alaska Army National Guard, three members of the Alaska Air National Guard, and one member of the Alaska State Defense Force,” plus a member of the Air National Guard, according the the These personnel worked against the looming freeze up of winter weather and harsh coastal conditions. “The most challenging part has been balancing the need for swift debris removal and structural repairs with the pressure of the approaching winter freeze,” said Chris Hatcher, incident commander and Northwest Arctic Borough’s director of public safety in a press release. “The cold temperatures, increased winds, and frozen ground make outdoor work challenging, especially with hazards like blowing insulation, mold, and exposed nails.” During recovery efforts, air temperatures have hovered around 15F and the high winds have only made the cold more hazardous. One of the guardsman involved in the efforts was sent out to Kotzebue as a his first deployment. “I kind of just came in expecting the worst, hoping for the best, and just being ready to help with whatever needed to be done,” said Alaska Air National Guardsman Airman 1st Class Cody Johnson, a firefighter with the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron. This was his first time performing his duties outside of basic training or tech school. Those duties have involved providing general labor, removing debris, distributing supplies such as food and water and assisting with structural repairs and assessments. While there have been other organizations and agencies involved with recovery efforts, the community members have also given back to those providing aid by supplying them with warm meals. Future of Alaska Highway could bring better transportation as the Yukon Territory, Alaska collaborate on improvementsFBI: Multiple swastikas spray-painted on Wasilla pregnancy center Federal grant to support revenue guarantee for air carrier to offer non-stop service between Fairbanks airport and new ‘domestic hub’
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