The rugged geography. Unpredictable weather. Lack of infrastructure. Small population. The high latitude. A preponderance of isolated towns and villages unconnected to a central road system. And most of all, the sheer size -- one-fifth that of the continental United States, with more miles of coastline than the other 50 states combined.
The 176th Wing's airlift and rescue capabilities have served Alaska well. Since its founding more than 50 years ago, it has enabled the wing -- perhaps more than any other unit in the Air National Guard -- to play a pivotal role in the development of its state.
HISTORY OF THE 176TH WING 
