Alaska U.S. Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters support Typhoon Halong recovery in Alaska.

On November 6, 2025, UH-60L Black Hawk crews from the Alaska U.S. Army National Guard launched from Bethel to support Operation Halong Response. The mission assists western Alaska communities still recovering from the powerful 2025 Typhoon Halong, which brought destructive winds and flooding.

Crews from the 207th Aviation Troop Command of the Alaska U.S. Army National Guard took flight from Bethel on November 6, 2025, deploying UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters as part of Operation Halong Response. According to the Alaska Organized Militia, the ongoing mission provides essential airlift support, delivering supplies and transportation to remote western Alaska communities still reeling from Typhoon Halong’s high winds, storm surges, and power outages. Guard leaders emphasized that the operation underscores Alaska’s reliance on aviation assets to bridge distances and sustain disaster recovery in some of the nation’s most inaccessible terrain.
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Alaska U.S. Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk crews from the 207th Aviation Troop Command lift off from Bethel, Alaska, on November 6, 2025, in support of Operation Halong Response. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

Following the storm, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) of United States activated the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes the Alaska Army and Air National Guard, Alaska Naval Militia, and Alaska State Defense Force. Together, these components have coordinated emergency logistics, aerial reconnaissance, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to isolated communities cut off by floodwaters and infrastructure damage.

Operating from Bethel, Black Hawk aviators have conducted continuous sorties to transport emergency personnel, medical supplies, and essential cargo to areas unreachable by ground. The UH-60L’s ability to operate in harsh weather and low visibility makes it a cornerstone of Alaska’s domestic response network. With a maximum speed of about 183 mph (294 km/h) and a range of 370 miles (595 km), the helicopter is capable of reaching isolated villages quickly, even when roads and runways are inaccessible.

The UH-60L is a specific variant within the Black Hawk family, developed by Sikorsky as an upgraded model of the original UH-60A. It is equipped with two T700-GE-701C engines, each producing 1,890 shaft horsepower (1,409 kW), and an improved gearbox that provides nearly 900 pounds (410 kg) of additional lift capability compared to the UH-60A. While newer UH-60M models now feature digital cockpits and stronger engines, many National Guard aviation units, including those in Alaska, continue to rely on the UH-60L for its proven reliability, simplicity, and suitability for Arctic operations.

The Alaska Army National Guard’s response highlights the operational flexibility and readiness required to support civil authorities during large-scale natural disasters. Coordination between the SEOC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local authorities ensures that aerial missions align with humanitarian priorities, including evacuation, infrastructure assessment, and supply distribution.

Bethel serves as a major forward operating hub for aviation and logistics operations, supporting maintenance crews, fuel teams, and mission planners as they sustain round-the-clock relief flights. The 207th Aviation Troop Command’s involvement demonstrates the Guard’s enduring commitment to Arctic and sub-Arctic operations, where extreme weather, limited infrastructure, and vast distances demand exceptional preparedness and technical proficiency.

Typhoon Halong’s impact underscores Alaska’s exposure to increasingly severe weather systems affecting the North Pacific. For the Alaska National Guard, such missions reinforce the importance of maintaining year-round flight readiness, improving coordination with state and federal partners, and modernizing its fleet to ensure rapid deployment under any conditions.

Through Operation Halong Response, the Alaska Army National Guard once again demonstrates its dual role as both a state emergency responder and a component of the nation’s defense structure. The deployment of UH-60L Black Hawks in these demanding conditions showcases the Guard’s ability to project capability, deliver aid, and safeguard Alaskan communities in times of crisis.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.